Page 41 of Styx

grasping the rock wall

as I gulped in a deep breath of air.

Behind me I heard Styx rise too.

And as I hauled myself up

onto the rock, I watched her

swim over to me, the strange,

slimy, serpentlike creature

swimming circles

around her.

It was as though lightning

was escaping out of its tail,

but this did not bother Styx.

I reached out toward her,

offering my hand.

I thought she would refuse.

I think she wanted to.

But then

she took my hand

so I could hoist her

onto the rock next to me.

For some time,

neither of us spoke,

catching our breath.

The voices in my head

had soothed to a chatter

that brought me comfort.

My heart still thudding hard,

I turned to her

and said two gentle words.

‘Thank You’