If You Tell Me To Stay

Chapter 14

The second Can saw Sanem land in the water he stood up and was running toward the dock at full speed. He saw Umut emerge from the water and was trying to get the canoe right side up. Umut was on the other side of the boat and couldn't see Sanem struggling. But Can saw Sanem's thrashing arms and he ran faster. He made it to the edge of the dock and without a second thought he dove into the lake. The frigid temp sent a shock wave through his body but his adrenaline and experience helped him swim toward the canoe. By the time he got there, Umut had got the canoe the right way up. Umut tossed the paddle back in and was attempting to clamber in the boat himself. Can was treading water, looking in every direction to see Sanem. But she wasn't there.

Oh my God.

He took a deep breath and sunk under the water. He opened his eyes and it didn't take him long to see Sanem still trying to swim up to the surface. Her arms and legs moved slowly as her muscles began to freeze. Gravity ultimately winning and pulling her down.

Can, still under the water, swam to her. He wrapped one arm around her waist and used his other arm and legs to swim to the surface, taking in another deep breath when he got there.

He helped Sanem over to the canoe. She was so cold now, her arms and legs just shook, her muscles doing nothing to help her swim. Her lungs needed oxygen so bad, she was gasping, but couldn't get air to fill her lungs. The freezing cold water caused what Can knew to be a diver's reflex and it was as if she forgot how to breath.

Can pushed from the water as Umut pulled on Sanem's arms while trying to prevent the boat from tipping again. It was not graceful in their haste. Once Sanem was safely inside, Can grabbed the edge of the canoe and pulled himself in while Umut used his whole body weight to hold the other side of the canoe down.

Sanem was in the fetal position on the floor of the boat. She was shaking, from cold and shock. As soon as Can was in, he sat down next to her and scooped her up onto his lap in one fluid motion.

Can looked at Umut with a death glare. He spoke between clenched teeth, "Get us back to shore, now." He had other words for Umut too, but he knew now was not the time. Sanem needed him more.

Can bent his knees up, wrapped his arms all the way around Sanem, and lowered his head down to touch hers. He was fully enclosing her with his body.

He whispered to her soothing words over and over again. Telling her not to panic. That she was safe. She was okay now.

It only took a few minutes to get back to land, but to Sanem it felt like hours. She remembered how to breathe now, but they were short quick inhales. And she was still shaking violently in Cans arms. She was trying to slow her breathing and stop her shaking, but her body refused to listen.

Umut decided to skip the dock and go straight for the shore line. Once the canoe skidded to a halt, Can stood up still cradling Sanem. He stepped out of the canoe, splashing the water with his long strides. He walked a few feet up the beach and sat back down in the sand with her curled in a ball, back on his lap.

Gamze came up to them with the blanket they had all been sitting on and wrapped it around the couple, so just the top of Can's head could be seen. The sight would have looked odd to someone just walking by.

Can's head was back down so their foreheads were touching, speaking softly to her so the other two couldn't hear.

Her shaking and harsh breathing subsided a little now that she knew she was on land.

Umut and Gamze stood back, silently observing.

"Shhh...Sanem. Match your breathing with mine. Breath in.. breath out.."