Page 27 - Highlights 2020 FINAL

It smiled at me. I smiled back. I realized I’d stopped holding

my breath. I tried to speak; my voice was harsh from overuse
at first, but after hoarse syllables of stuttering I managed to

thank the creature.

A guttural growl echoed in the water, startling us both. The

creature grabbed my hands tighter. The water seemed to

tint red as I saw the fear-inspiring being that had scared us.

It looked similar to my rescuer, but with horns protruding
from its long, thin hair.

I was stuck speechless, glancing nervously between the two
creatures, and trying to kick upwards to no avail. Before I

could let go of the hands I was holding, I was forced up to

the surface by a great rush of water. For a few heartbeats I

flailed in the air as I hurled toward the sun, but soon I
realized I was falling back toward the water. My back

slapped against a rubber raft, and it swayed under my

weight. Before I could get my bearings, a tide pulled me
toward the beach that was coming into view.

I was careening so quickly toward the shore that my hair
whipped around my head, plastering itself to my face as I

tried without avail to push it away. Soon the raft stopped on

the sandy shore and I stepped out, my legs shaking and
numb. I was completely disoriented, and the heat didn’t

help.

Highlights 2020 Jewel of the Sea 27
Highlights 2020 Jewel of the Sea 27