Encased

3. How To Save A Life

I walked out of school the school Hall and and into the elevator, while still trying to shove all of my books into my bag. I had my swimming bag slung on my other arm and all in all this was very uncomfortable.

"Sorry sir." I said as I jostled my way out of the elevator and into the rec level. I listened to the sound of my flip flops all the way to change where I dumped my stuff and changed as fast as I could, not wanting to be late.

Of course I was nervous about lifeguarding, but no one had ever drowned in this becoming so there wasn't anything to worry about but I was still so so nervous.

I slipped my red whistle over my neck and climb onto the tall, plastic chair with a yellow board hanging on the side. I sit at the top and just watch everyone swim. This is boring...

I start getting restless, wanting to just jump in the water and start swimming. Those people look so happy while I feel so bored. Wow, I hate this job. I absently tap my knee while scanning the pool for drowning citizens but no one wants to drown on my watch.

I tilt my head back, looking at the few lights, hung around the large room. We mainly get our light from the windows. But they always keep a few on at night so if you forget something somewhere you can always go back and get it.

"He- help! *cough* hellllp!" Someone screams.

I whip my head back and jump from the chair. I search the pool and my eyes land on an aged man, looks to be in about his late eighties.

I run along the pool and toss him a floatie, he clutches at it and I pull him to the side of the pool where I manage to lift him up and out. I lay him on the ground and listen for his breaths. They don't come. So I start CPR and mouth to mouth.

After a couple minutes of doing that he coughs up some water and his eyes flutter open. I take a deep breath of relief and gently sit him up. I put my pocket mask away and have someone press the emergency button for some paramedics.

In just a few seconds their rushing over to us and slowly getting him onto a stretcher before rushing back into the elevator. Just before the doors close he lifts up his head and nods at me with smile. I shoot a smile back at him and climb back onto my chair.

Once my heart rate starts to slow down, I'm able to continue watching the swimming families. This time, I'm paying rapt attention and never letting my eyes leave them once.

Once my volunteering hours are over I climb down, still pretty shaken up from the events at the pool that day. I grab my stuff, tossing my sweater and shorts on, not caring if they got wet.

Once out of the elevator I make my way towards my home. 214, 215, 216... 217. I stick my key into the key hole and walk into the small mud room. Although we barely ever have mud on our shoes.

Sammy's grade gets out later then mine for volunteer reasons so I go change and check Sammy's volunteer schedule. June 15th- clothes line.

Oh this was easy. We just have to pick up peoples dirty clothes, bring them to the laundro mat and fold them. Got it.

I print out the list of house numbers that we need to get and then head to Sammy's school level.

"Sammy! Over here!" I call once all the kids are streaming out of the rooms. He sees me and works his way toward me. Once he's beside me I guide him towards the elevator. Once we're in and it's a bit quiet I tell him our volunteering position and hand him the list.

He snatches it from my hands and once the elevator doors are open, he hops out and towards our first pickup.

We knock on the door and I hear a few footsteps coming towards the door. The door cracks open and then opens up fully. To my surprise, it's the man I saved in the pool that day. The event replays in my mind, splash splash.

"Hello sir, we're here for your laundry."Sammy declares to the man. He nods his head and shuffles back into his room, very slowly too. I take a peak behind his door and pull out his clipboard. His name is Geoffrey, he is eighty years old and has home care. He has several disorders in his bones and muscles. So why was he in the pool? Why did they let him in the pool?

That's all I can think about as Sam and I going around collecting laundry and completing his volunteer service for the day. I need to talk to him.