The short story "The Swimmer" by John Cheever is a poignant tale about a man named Neddy Merrill who embarks on a journey through his neighborhood, swimming through the pools of his friends and acquaintances. Along the way, Neddy reflects on his past and the changes that have occurred in his life and in the lives of those around him.
At the beginning of the story, Neddy is described as a fit and energetic man who is in the prime of his life. He is also wealthy and well-respected in his community, with a beautiful wife and children. On a hot summer day, Neddy decides to take a swim in his neighbor's pool, and from there he decides to swim through the pools of all of his friends and neighbors, eventually making his way home.
As Neddy swims from pool to pool, he encounters a number of people who are struggling with various problems and challenges. Some of his friends are struggling with financial difficulties, while others are dealing with marital problems or health issues. Despite these challenges, Neddy remains upbeat and positive, determined to enjoy his journey and make the most of his day.
As the story progresses, however, it becomes clear that Neddy's journey is not just about physical exertion, but also about coming to terms with his own past and the changes that have occurred in his life. Along the way, he encounters people who are no longer his friends, and he realizes that his own life has changed significantly since his youth.
As Neddy nears the end of his journey, he becomes increasingly exhausted and disoriented, and he begins to question the reality of his journey. He realizes that his neighborhood has changed dramatically since he was young, and he begins to question whether he has truly been swimming through the pools of his friends, or whether he has simply been hallucinating the entire journey.
In the end, Neddy collapses on the side of the road, exhausted and confused, as the story ends on a poignant and thought-provoking note. "The Swimmer" is a poignant and deeply moving tale about the passage of time, the changes that life brings, and the importance of cherishing the moments that we have.