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His foaming screams mix with the numb sounds of bubbles and waves.
I kick like a mermaid.
Deeper.
My ears pop.
I keep going until I realize Dominik’s not thrashing.
Bubbles boil from his nose, but all he can do is make a last half-ass grab.
I look to the surface and—
Fuck.
Too far.
Too dark.
I give Dominik one last kick, using his body as a springboard, racing to get air while my heart and lungs scream.
My eyes do that blurred static flash that means I need to breathe soon.
Almost there!
On my last gasp, I punch through the surface.
Coughing and spluttering, I suck in sweet oxygen, trying to tread water without slipping back under.
So, so tired.
Water in all directions.
The boat fading into the distance.
But I spot a blob of orange like a beacon of hope.
I tap into the old Lilah, the one who ground laps until she passed out, and running on nothing but willpower, I kick to my only chance at survival.
Of course, the current fucks with me, trying to drag the vest away. My head keeps slipping under, and it gets harder and harder to stay afloat.
But I can’t give up.
Won’t.
I’m too stubborn and I finally fucking have a reason to fight.
My fingers finally bump the vest.
With an awkward dolphin roll, I force my arms through the holes and snap the buckles tight.
Then I tip my head back and take breath after wracking breath.
The spots slowly clear from my eyes.
Welp.
Managed half a rescue.
