When Wes signals that it’s time to ascend, I hesitate. My gaze drifts to a small opening visible in the rock wall. It’s nothing more than a shadowed crack, but I can’t help myself. I gesture toward it, asking silently.
Wes signals a firm—No. His body language leaves no room for debate.
Still, as he turns to prepare for our ascent, I edge closer to the opening. Just a peek. I’ll only go in a couple of feet. That will be okay, I tell myself. I slip inside, my heart pounding as curiosity overtakes caution.
The walls close in, and the dim light from the main cavern instantly disappears, leaving only faint illumination from my diving lamp. The sudden shift in lighting startles me, causing my fin to scrape along the bottom. Instantly, a silt plume engulfs me.
Panic takes hold. My visibility has vanished. There is nothing but thick, swirling gray clouds, spinning around me. My chest tightens, and I almost lose my grip on my regulator. Wes’s words from our training ring in my mind. Stop. Breathe. Think. Act. Igrip the dive line like a lifeline and try to steady my breaths. Yet, the silt obscuring my vision won’t settle, and my head spins as my heart threatens to beat itself right out of my chest.
Although it seems like forever, Wes is by me in seconds. His grip on my arm is steady.
“Stop. Don’t move,” Wes says through the comms.
I freeze as he unhooks his backup light and scans the area. His usual easygoing demeanor is gone, replaced by tense focus.
“Calm down—we’re safe here. We have plenty of air. But you need to slow your breathing. Don’t hold your breath.” He pauses, watching me as I try to calm my breaths. “We’ll wait a little while for the silt to settle, then we’ll go home.” He holds my hand and gives it a tight squeeze. I try very hard to focus on his words and calm down, but it’s a struggle. What I’ve done is very dangerous, and I’ve put both of us at risk.
Once the silt settles, Wes turns to me. His expression behind his mask is a mix of exasperation and concern. He taps his mask. Pay attention.
Embarrassment prickles my skin. After he guides me back into the main cavern, I lean against the limestone wall and just breathe in relief.
He signals to prepare our ascent, but as I reach to move forward, there’s a sharp tug at the back of my head. My heart leaps into my throat. My hair is caught on a jagged piece of limestone. I scream through the regulator.
Green eyes lock on mine.
“Don’t move.” He signals vehemently with his hands while also speaking into the comms.
I stay as still as possible, fighting back another surge of panic as I almost spit out the regulator. A sharp headache and wave of dizziness hits me. I’m going to pass out. Wes swiftly removes a dive knife from his suit vest.
I focus on my breathing, on Wes’s presence.
With one slice, I’m free. Wes grabs my arm, and together, we ascend immediately. I’m vaguely aware of the ascent, like I’m in the middle of a dream.
Breaking the surface, Wes tears off my mask, and I gasp for air as sunlight blazes overhead. Wes climbs to the boat first and pulls me up with steady hands, pulling me the rest of the way up the ladder. His face is pale, but his grip is firm.
“Are you okay?” He crouches before me and holds my shoulders. After a moment, he lifts my chin. A flash of fear crosses his face. Then he takes a deep breath. “You’re okay.”
Tears roll down my eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think—”
“Ssh… It’s okay.” He puts his arms around me.
“…so stupid. I’m sorry, I—”
“You kept your head when it mattered. That’s what’s most important.” He’s rubbing my back, trying to get me to calm down. “But dammit, this place doesn’t forgive mistakes. Never do that again. Ever.”
I nod, his words sinking into my chest like stones. I’m still trying to catch my breath and stop crying. My breathing becomes more raspy and uneven, and then I can’t breathe at all.
An anxiety attack. But this is worse.
Panicked, my eyes lock on Wes’s. All blood leaves his face.
And then nothing.
Chapter 28
Scott
“Scott—I can’t breathe.”
