We exited the yard and I kept a finger to my head and an eye on the ground, tracking the crumbs. The crumb trail ended much too too, but when I looked up, I saw that we were about to walk down a wooded path. Without a word, I raced raced down the path, feeling a sudden urgency. A few seconds later, the path opened out into a clearing by a lake. I could only stare at the sight that met my eyes: A large dog was at the base of a tree that hung out over the water, growling up into the branches. A girl was hanging onto a branch by her hands and her feet were kicking uselessly.
"Maddie!" Carol screamed.
The cry startled the girl and she lost her grip on the branch and fell into the water. Without hesitating, I raced forward, splashing into the water. It was cold even though it was almost June.
"Maddie?!" I yelled, looking around disparately.
She hadn't come up yet. I swam as fast as I could to the spot where the girl had entered the water. Taking a deep breath, I ducked under. Opening my eyes, I groped around, but it was murky and I couldn't see anything. My lungs were out of air and I surfaced quickly, gasped a breath, and dove under again. Still nothing.
I fought off the panic that was rising in me and groped deeper, trying in vain to see through the silt. My lungs were bursting and I was just about to swim back up when my hand brushed against something soft. A shirt. Then I saw Maddie, her arms above her head, a few bubbles drifting through her slightly parted lips. I got my arm around her and kicked with all my might, trying to find the surface, but I was down farther than I thought. I needed air so badly...
I suddenly wasn't sure which way was up. I officially began to panic, groping above my head with my free arm. through my darkening vision, I could just make out a flicker of light. The surface. I was determined not to die. And I couldn't let Maddie die. I kicked with all of my might and Pulled up with my arm.
My head broke the surface and I tipped on my back, taking in the sweetest breath I can remember. Maddie's head fell heavily on my shoulder and for a moment I was afraid she wasn't breathing. But then I heard a weak cough. I was still disoriented and the water streaming into my eyes was temporarily blinding me. I blinked hard and felt fresh panic when I didn't see the shore.
"Shawn!"
The shout came from behind me. Gus. I tightened my grip on Maddie, who was limp but still breathing, and began to backstroke wearily with my free arm. I could hear voices behind me, shouting encouragement. My feet finally hit bottom and I stumbled, my legs wobbily. Someone suddenly right there, taking Maddie from my aching arms. I coughed as water filled my mouth.
"Shawn!"
Gus was right there, putting an arm around my waist, holding me up. He guided me to the bank where I collapsed, coughing.
"Hey, you alright?" Gus helped me sit up.
My head began to clear and I looked up to see Carol cradling Maddie.
"Gus...I don't know what happened," I gasped. "I couldn't find...I almost..."
Gus was visibly shaken. "I was so scared, Shawn. I thought you'd drowned."
"Shawn!"
I looked up and saw Juliet and Lassie running toward us. But then Carol was suddenly right in front of me and she hugged me tightly, crying. "How can I ever thank you?" She sobbed. And then she was gone and Gus and Juliet helped me to my feet.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Gus asked.
I blinked. 'Yeah. Yeah, I'm okay."
Gus looked relieved. "Let's get you home."
-
THE END I hope that ending wasn't too chopped off *ducks flying tomatoes*