Search for SMOS: A Deep Spiral

Prologue: Bottom of the Barrel

Falling.

I keep falling.

The world is dull and gray.

Full of emptiness.

No horizon.

Just the clouds and the ocean.

SPLASH

I find myself barely holding onto a plank of a ruined ship, thrashing my legs to get fully on board.

I gasp violently, salty water pouring out of my eyes and mouth.

I look around and find myself in a sea of sunken ships.

Some on fire, others hardly holding together.

WHOOSH

I'm pulled away from the sight by the sound of rushing water. Behind me was the largest whirlpool you could ever imagine, sucking in nearby ships, dragging them into the ocean's abyss.

No. No.

I began my attempt to swim away, trying desperately not to get sucked in, but the current was stronger. I cried out in horror as the plank was swept away from me, leaving me to fall into the depths of the sea.

I hit the water.

Bubbles ruptured out of my mouth as I begged for air, swirling around me as I spun deeper into the whirlpool's spiral.

I flailed my arms and legs in an attempt to swim back up, but it was too late. I was too deep in the water.

I felt myself grow tired, my limbs giving way, and the last few air bubbles spewing out of my mouth as I gave up.

I will forever be sinking.

There is no escape.

My eyes shot wide open, slowly processing where I was. I sighed, sitting up in my bed slowly. This wasn't the first time I had that dream; it definitely won't be the last. It's okay, I'm used to it. At least that means I won't wake up in a cold sweat every night, thinking that I'm dead or dying.

I groggily pushed myself out of bed and stared out the nearby window. Dark gray clouds coated the sky like a blanket. It's going to rain today, isn't it? That's fine. I prefer the rain. I shook my head, realizing I was distracting myself, and looked at my phone. 6:50 am. Perfect timing as always, I didn't even need my alarm to wake up.