The Girl Who Dreams

Chapter 6: Underwater

It was summertime yet again. I've always loved summer for as long as I can remember. I know it sounds silly, but just the thought of it makes me so happy. Kind of like having a warm fuzzy feeling when someone gives you a hug.

Another thing that makes me happy during summertime is swimming. I'm no athlete, but I can say I'm a pretty decent swimmer. I remember my love for swimming started way back when I was a toddler. My dad would simply fill up the bathtub and let me swim in it. I would waddle my tiny arms and giggle as I splashed around.

But enough reminiscing.

My parents drove me to a public swimming pool, where my friends have been waiting.

"Give us a call when you're done. Love ya!"

I smiled in return. Gathering my belongings I headed to the nearest changing room. I put on my swimsuit, grabbed my goggles and went to my friends. They were mostly neighbors and I was fortunate enough that we both love swimming.

We were having so much fun that I lost track of time. One by one my friends started leaving. Pretty soon I was alone by the pool. The caretaker was kind enough to extend my stay for one more hour. Bless her soul.

I swam a few laps as I needed the exercise anyway. My arms and legs felt sore, that was when I decided it was time for me to leave.

But then, I felt something.

Was there something else in the water with me? Perhaps it was just a figment of my imagination as swimming made me sleepy.

I felt it again.

I knew I had to get out quickly.

Using all of my strength, I swam towards the ladder. But I wasn't fast enough. As soon as I was about to leave the pool something dragged me under. I tried leaving again, but something just kept on pulling me under. I screamed for help, but the caretaker was nowhere to be found. I felt my vision getting darker as I was running out of air. Before I knew it everything went black.

I suddenly woke up with a jolt.

I was back in my room where my parents have been waiting for me. They both hugged me as soon as I had regained consciousness.

"W-what happened?" I weakly asked.

"Lucas the caretaker found you." Mom replied. "When he noticed you were gone for too lonbg, he knew something was wrong. He saved your life by performing cpr."

I was confused, yet thankful at the same time.

Then I suddenly remembered the thing that pulled me underwater.

I wasn't sure if they were going to believe me but I had to take my chances.

"Was there anything underwater?"

"What do you mean?"

I explained what happened. How an unknown force dragged me underwater and how I wasn't able to fought back.

My parents just exchanged looks.

"There was nothing. He thought you must've gotten the cramp or something."

I wasn't satisfied. I knew something was amiss. Unfortunately I had to wait until next summer, as I had other matters to attend to.

The case remains a mystery.

For now.