A man recalls a time in his childhood when his older brother Hubbard outgrew his boyhood and started to become a man. It was summer in their small hometown. He, Hubbard, and Tommy liked to swim in the Yellow Creek that was a mile or so from their house. As they walked, Tommy had trouble keeping up with them because he was the youngest. His older brothers tried to send him home, but when he started to cry, Hubbard made him feel better and let him come along. When the boy, Hubbard, and Tommy got to the river, they saw other boys from the neighborhood. They played many games together. Tommy usually came in last because he was so small, but he preferred to come in last than not be counted at all. When it got late and the sun was just about to set, Hubbard decided that it was time to get going. The boys all raced to get dressed. Hubbard intentionally let Tommy finish before him so that he wouldn't be last again. They all began to walk home. One of the boys, Frank, had to be home before sundown, so he convinced everyone to jog with him. He was still late getting home, but his mother didn't seem to mind too much. As they walked past more houses, the other boys began to peel off toward home. They passed Snooky Jamieson's house, who was rumored to be Hubbard's girlfriend. She was sitting on the porch and called to them. She said that she planned to swim at the lake tomorrow. Hubbard retorted that he preferred to swim where he didn't need a bathing suit, which made the other boys laugh. They walked a little ways ahead, then Hubbard asked them to wait for him because he had to deliver a message to Snooky. When Hubbard returned, he asked if anyone had a bathing suit that he could borrow. They all said no. The other boys went to their houses, and left the three brothers to walk to their house alone.