Three lives have I. Gentle enough to soothe the skin, light enough to fly in the sky, hard enough to crack a rock. What am I?

This versatile substance, essential for life, exists in three distinct forms, each perfectly matching the descriptions. In its most common liquid state, it is indeed gentle. Think of a refreshing drink, a soothing bath, or the calming pat of a damp cloth; its fluid nature makes it ideal for cleansing and comforting. This liquid form is what we interact with most often in our daily lives, from rivers to rain.

When heated, this substance transforms into a gas, becoming an invisible vapor that is light enough to ascend into the atmosphere. This vapor condenses to form clouds, which appear to "fly" across the sky, driven by air currents. The very air we breathe contains this gaseous form, constantly cycling through the atmosphere as part of the water cycle. Conversely, when cooled sufficiently, it freezes into a solid. While seemingly benign, ice possesses immense power. Water expands as it freezes, and this expansion can exert tremendous pressure, capable of fracturing even the hardest rocks over time, a process known as ice wedging or frost weathering.

This remarkable ability to exist as a liquid, gas, and solid, and to transition between these states, is fundamental to Earth's climate and geology. Its unique properties, such as its high heat capacity and its expansion upon freezing, are crucial for sustaining life and shaping our planet's landscapes. From the softest touch to the mightiest geological force, this common compound truly embodies a paradox of strength and serenity.