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Sharp stones and dirt grind into my skin, and then we hit the water, which is like a shock of cold all at once. The gun is knocked from my hand, and I curse, then have to close my mouth before I suck in a lungful of river water.
Natalie gasps, treading water wildly as she tries to find her footing in the deep, sludgy river, and I use that to my advantage. I grab ahold of her hair in a tight fist and shove her head under the surface.
She thrashes like crazy, splashing and sending up little waves of murky grayish water as she flails.
Bubbles rise to the surface, and I can feel her kicking at me, trying to get me to let her go. She twists around, trying to bite at my hand, her nails dragging over my skin again and again.
But I just hold on, keeping my grip on her hair and forcing her deeper under the water.
I told River once that she’s the strongest person I know, but I hate that shehasto be strong. I hate that the world has forced her to go through so much bullshit just to survive.
So I’ll keep her from going through this too. I won’t make her carry this death with her, even though there’s no doubt in my mind that Natalie deserves it.
And I’ll be the one to give it to her.
More bubbles break the surface, and I can feel Natalie’s movements growing weaker beneath the water. Her limbs twitch a little, her entire body jerking as she fights for air. Then, finally, she goes still.
I keep her submerged for several more long moments, then release my hold on her, letting out a slow breath. I’m drenched, covered in dirt and blood, and the cuts on my arms sting like a bitch.
But it’s done.
As Natalie’s lifeless form floats in the water before me, her blonde hair twisting and swirling around her face, I glance over to see the others pulling a shivering Cody out of the car.
“Thank fuck,” I mumble to myself.
