Peter floats on his back, convincing Jimmy to do the same. The two are tossed mercilessly in the water and splashed constantly in the face. They can't help but get water in their mouths every three to five minutes when they are splashed. Peter starts to think maybe Jimmy was right about how they should float on their stomachs instead. This is hopeless.
"Jim," he says before getting interrupted by the water a wave forces him to swallow. He coughs then says, "I think you were right."
Jimmy nods and the two of them flip onto their stomachs. They put their faces in the water, only lifting them up when they need air. Their doing so actually prevents water from getting into their mouths and lungs.
They drift on like this for a while. It's a very awkward ordeal. There they are, two men tied together in the middle of the ocean who can't talk to each other because their faces are in the water.
Finally, the storm settles. The water is calm. The two boys raise themselves up and look at each other. "Are we safe to sit up now?" asks Jimmy.
"I believe so." They don't know if they are supposed to tread water and stay upright at this point or to just float.
Does Peter Tread Water (5) or Float on His Back (6)?
YOU ARE READING
In the Waters Below (Interactive)
AcakThis is an interactive story. To a certain extent, you get to decide what happens. Here's the premise. Peter's sailing on the ocean with a few of his friends when the boat is capsized. As a result, he is left floating in the middle of the open ocean...
