The icy water splashes on my bare legs, the kayak sways back and forth. This is unlike anything I've ever accomplished.
Standing right before me, the legendary Inga rapids. I thrust with all my might on the paddles, settling the kayak. My heart is pounding at a hundred miles per hour. Go to Congo they said, it'll be fun they said. This is suicide. The water is hurling itself at me, the wetsuit isn't enough to keep me warm. The water is so cold, it sends shivers down my spine. I grip onto the ore, soldiering on through the chaos.
I refuse to die today. The adrenaline keeps me moving, yearning to tell this story back home: The little girl who conquered the rapids of Africa. Whirlpools form in front of me and I dig my paddle into the river in order to swerve away. The waves forcing my body from side to side; my kayak jolts, striking a rock, as a result, I'm thrust forward. My body's dragged underwater, nevertheless, I kick furiously, praying the river bank is nearby. I haul myself onto the soil, drawing immense breaths.
I'm alive. I'm finally, free from the grasp of the merciless water.
YOU ARE READING
Alice Wood, The Girl With No Fears
ActionShe's the toughest, strongest, meanest girl to ever come out the USA. When death stares her straight in the eye, she just glares right back. Nobody and nothing is going to come between her and her goal. Not even her disapproving family and fierce ri...
