Under the surface

I slipped my fins over my boots and waddled to the edge of the boat. My gear made my movements awkward. The light that was mounted on the boat cast monstrous figures on the waters surface. "I'm not sure I can do this" I whispered uncertainly.                                                 "Come on! It's just a little darker than usual" a boy my age called from the water, his body enveloped by the darkness. Brisk air sliced through my wet suit. Momentarily frozen I remembered the dream I had the night before.

I had been standing at the water's edge, cool sand sinking between my toes. Only the moon was illuminating the beach. A warm breeze passed like breathing down my neck. Something had compelled me to go for a midnight swim. Tentatively I walked to the waters edge, but as soon as the water lapped my foot a bony hand dragged me into the water. Into the darkness.

"We can't wait all night" the boy called breaking my thoughts. The weight of my gear challenged me more than my fear. Hesitantly I dropped into the ominous water. The two seconds whilst I was under were the worst, no lights just darkness. I popped back up inflating myself, lifting the weight off my shoulders. The cold water slowly slithered its way into my wet suit, distracting my brain from the fear. It took a minute or two for my body to get used to the temperature of the water. I waited for the other divers to enter the water. I was so consumed by fear I didn't realise I'd held everyone up.

When everyone was in we began the descent. Not wanting to be the last one at the surface I took my chances with the darkness. I followed the lights and the reflective yellow fins in front of me. The sound of my own breathing was somewhat calming, a way of affirming I was still alive. However I was still envious of the rising air bubbles escaping to the surface. When we reached the bottom the dive instructor signalled to everyone asking if they were okay. 'For now at least' I thought to myself. We continued on, the lights illuminating the nooks and crannies, highlighting the skittish fish. Sharks swam calmly around us, the lights catching their eyes like cats. I continued swimming, my eyes guided by the beams of light.

The other divers stopped momentarily, inspecting some rock. I hung back and took this moment to fix my loosened mask. I knelt on the sea floor being sure to avoid any hidden creatures. As I adjusted my hair my mask flooded, slipping from my grasp. Quickly I closed my eyes. Water pressed against me where my mask had been. Complete darkness. Confined by this darkness the rhythm of my breathing became eerie, no longer comforting. The weight of the water now crushed me. My heart beat rapidly. Unknowingly I held my breath as the only thing on my mind was my mask. Frantically my hands thrashed in the hope of finding it. Panic attacked any rational thought.

A hand gripped my forearm. An image of that bony hand from my dream flashed before my mind. But unlike that hand, this one was warm and held me steady. Another handed me the smooth straps which I knew belonged to my mask. I sucked in air hungrily as if I hadn't breathed before. I fumbled with my mask, putting it on as quickly as possible, not wanting to be engulfed by the darkness any longer. Clearing the water from my mask I opened my eyes. The other divers were circled around me, I was embarrassed at being the center of attention. I noticed the hand still gripped my arm, it was the same boy from earlier. I gave him a knowing look and signalled okay. We continued on, my heart still thumping from that little occurrence.

Exploring the darkness, the boy stuck close to me. The lights were comforting me like a child's night light, I began to grow more comfortable with my surroundings, especially knowing I had someone on my side. Now that the panic had escaped my body, I began to enjoy the dive. I saw much more than usual, In the light of day I focus on my next move and what was in the distance. But the restriction of light forced me into seeing the little things. The individual fish. Even the coral looked more iridescent than usual. I looked at the boy and then up above me. The moonlight glistened up at the surface, sparkling like a Christmas tree. Fish acting like moving ornaments. I no longer envied those at the surface, because in this moment the surface looked as if it was a portal and I was in a whole other world.