"Sage!" My mother called. I had been zoning out completely.
My little brother tossed some sand at me.
"Did you hear me? I said we're leaving soon, so enjoy the water while we're here."
I brought myself back into reality. The waves of the ocean crashed into the shore. Seagulls drifted through the air, unaware of the possible dangers below the surface.
The smell of salt stung my nose.
"Sage! Come swimming!" Jackson cried, being a normal, pestering little brother.
"I will, I will. Make sure there's no jellyfish, first."
He ran down to the shore and began intensely inspecting the waters. After about two seconds, he turned around and gave me a thumbs up.
I tossed my sunglasses onto my chair and walked down to the water line.
"I'm gonna get the stuff for another sandcastle." He declared suddenly before running back to the chairs.
My eyes swept across the line of broken and smashed sand castles, until my gaze rested on a glowing, floating object in about shoulder-deep water. I paddled over to it, very curious as to what it might be.
"Careful, Sage. Don't go to far." My
mother called fretfully.
What was she worried about? I had been on the swim team for the past three years!
The object was just out of reach when I became aware of where I was. A little too far from shore, for my liking. I snatched up the little object and began paddling back. My mother dug into her bag for something while Jackson hopped around.
Something twined it's way around my ankle and up my leg, stopping at my knee. I sucked in my breath as I kicked my legs.
Whatever it was, it sure wasn't letting go anytime soon. Saltwater stung my
eyes and ran down my throat. I frantically clawed at the water, unable to scream from the horrible burning that the saltwater was causing from my throat.
And then, as quickly as the attack had begun, it was over. Water cascaded over my head, and darkness surrounded me.
Alone, unable to see, unable to breathe, and something was dragging me down further and further at an alarming rate. I desperately kicked my legs and struck out with my arms, but this just exhausted me further. It was very clear who was winning this fight.
I closed my eyes and let the darkness consume me.
