It was a warm, calm day. The only clouds in the sky were merely wisps of white against the clear, blue sky. Sleek fish darted in and out of hiding places in an elaborate tango. Waves hugged the shore, lazily drifting in and out, giving the afternoon a steady, unchanging rhythm. Seagulls skimmed the surface of the ocean, coasting idly on warm air. A cool breeze caressed the beach, barely strong enough to stir any sand or disturb any water.
All was peaceful.
From her position in the water, the girl had no trouble gazing at the shore. She turned lazily in the water, enjoying the warmth surrounding her. The sun would set soon and she was waiting for him to arrive. The thought of seeing him again made small giggles bubble from her. Maybe she would sing to him, it might be more fun than just watching him wander the shore. She swam in leisurely circles, humming a dreamy tune, waiting for the sun to dip into the ocean.
After some waiting, the sun began to lower, its edge sinking into the indigo water below. Gilded ribbons of light striped the ocean, creating an alternating pattern of gold and blue. The sky was a canvas of rosy pinks, milky blues, and pastel purples; blazing reds, fiery oranges and livid golds. The girl eyed the shore expectantly. Surely he would come soon; he always came right after the sun would start to set. Where was he?
The sound of splashing water pulled the girl from her thoughts. Turning towards the sound, she sank down into the water. A smile danced on her lips. She found him standing on his favorite rock a few yards from the shore, staring out at the ocean. Silently, she swam towards him, being careful to keep her distance; she didn't need him spotting her early.
Without warning, the wind picked up and the water began to churn, throwing dangerous waves onto the shore. The girl struggled to keep her eyes on the boy; water was constantly crashing into her, blocking her view.
A huge wave crashed over the rock, sweeping him under water. The girl let out a startled cry, dashing forward. She ducked under the water and swam towards him, wishing she hadn't stayed so far from the rock. He was being pulled deeper underwater, getting swallowed by the dark abyss. She wouldn't reach him in time. He was sinking out of sight, getting smaller with every second.
She reached towards him, wishing she could swim faster, wishing she were just a little bit closer. Fighting back tears, which would probably be no use under water, she pushed harder, refusing to lose sight of the figure below her.
Cryptic thoughts began to plague her mind. Even if she was able to get him out of the water, would he live? She was sure he'd already inhaled a great deal of water; surely his lungs were full by now. If it was already too late, what was the point of swimming after him? But what if it wasn't too late, then she could save him, right? What if she dragged him back onto the shore and the only way to save him would be to…
What if it came that? Would she save him if it meant leaving behind life as she knew it? What would her sisters think? Would saving him be worth giving up everything? Maybe she should just let him drown, it would end all the snide comments she received from the others; it would obliterate any temptation to leave her peaceful life behind. It would be so easy to…
NO! No way, she fiercely scolded herself. Even if it comes to that, there's no way I'm going to let him die. I won't let Warren die!