BRIDGING HEARTS

{26}

                               JEIA

After finishing lunch, I made my way outside toward the pool area. I was so full; the food had been so amazing that I could barely stop myself from eating more. My stomach felt heavy as I strolled near the pool, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze coming off the water.

Though I dreaded the 8-feet-deep pool, I couldn't deny that I enjoyed dipping my legs in it. The cool water against my skin was refreshing, a simple pleasure. I've always preferred the kid's pool in resorts, where I could splash around without the fear of going under. Not knowing how to swim made deeper pools feel intimidating.

As I went near the edge to sit, my foot suddenly slipped. Before I could even react, I was plunging into the much deeper pool with a loud splash.

Fear gripped me instantly. Nononono! I'll die, I can't-Panic surged my mind, My body instinctively jerked in panic, arms flapping, legs kicking wildly in every direction, desperately trying to stay afloat. The water seemed to pull me deeper, and every second felt like an eternity. I could barely catch my breath, my lungs burning as I fought against the overwhelming fear.

This can't be happening. No, no, no, no..... My mind raced, and all I could think of is how stupid I had been to even come near the edge. My heart pounded against my ribs, frantic.

I tried to scream as I broke through the surface, gasping for air, and this time, my voice pierced the chaos.
'Help! Help!' I shouted, the sound tearing from my throat in desperation.

But before I could cry out again, the water dragged me under. I instinctively tried to scream once more, but as soon as I opened my mouth, water surged in, filling my nose and throat. A sharp, stinging burn spread through my chest as I choked, my attempts to cough it out turning into a strangled, hopeless gurgle.

My lungs screamed for air, but every attempt to breathe only pulled in more water, filling me with a cold, suffocating pressure. I tried to scream again, my voice lost in the depths, only bubbles rising to the surface as the pool swallowed me whole.

Just as my body gave in, my arms and legs stilled, sinking deeper into the 8-foot nightmare I closed my eyes, surrendering to the overwhelming pull of the water. My chest aching with the desperate need for air. I heard a loud splash. The sound pierced the eerie silence of the water around me.

Soon, a strong arm wrapped around me, pulling me toward their body and preventing me from sinking any further. The person held my limp body close, the cool water on my skin feeling heavy and suffocating. My thoughts were blurred, chaotic, as if the water had seeped into my mind. They lifted me effortlessly and guided me toward the pool's edge, and with one final tug, I was pulled out onto the rough concrete.

I collapsed on the hard concrete, gasping desperately for air, my chest heaving as I coughed violently. I felt a firm hand patting my back, a little too hard, as if trying to force the chlorine-laden water from my lungs. The person's other hand steadied me, holding my arm as I coughed. My lungs burned, and my vision was still hazy from the panic that had taken over moments ago.

"Jeia!" The voice pierced through the fog of my panic. "Easy there, breathe slowly."

I blinked, trying to focus, the world still spinning slightly as I turned toward the voice. My throat burned from the coughing, my chest tight, but the voice-familiar and commanding-brought me back to reality.

It was Mr. Singhania. His expression was a mix of concern and annoyance his brow furrowed as he looked down at me. He was completely drenched, his white t-shirt clinging to his broad, muscular frame, making his impressive physique even more noticeable. His biceps peeped through the semi-transparent fabric, and his damp hair was messily plastered against his forehead, droplets of water still falling from the ends. His light brown eyes, usually cold and distant, now had an unfamiliar flicker of concern and vulnerability.