Yesterday, after a “sooo good” lunch of Phở and a spin on the carousel as a family in DUMBO, Laurea headed off to meet a friend and left us sitting in the shade by the waterfront. Kina watched the ferries pass in the distance and waves roll off in their wake. As the waves funneled into the inlet by the carousel, they broke against the boulders with surprising force, splashing various couples taking their engagement photos and groups of kids scampering along the shore. Kina rested her elbows on my shoulders and muttered “here’s a good one” whenever she spotted a particularly promising swell. Once, two ferries and a huge barge passed simultaneously underneath the Manhattan Bridge; Kina and I waited with eager anticipation as the waves snuck in across each other and slammed into the rocks, drenching several tourists taking selfies.

We sat there for longer than I would have expected her to want to stay, just taking pleasure in the boats, the water, and the comedy. It was the highlight of our day.

dad