"I'm going in." Serena was standing on the edge of the dock in her one-piece bathing suit recently purchased for the occasion. They were the only two present, the surrounding woods thick with a symphony of rustling leaves and distant bird calls providing the soundtrack to their solitude. The water is so crystal clear that depth perception is distorted. What appears shallow under the surface is much deeper.
"You've been saying that for ten minutes." Jason was glad to be in a quiet spot away from all the Floridian coastal traffic and people. He no longer had an appetite for the cold, spring water but was happy to accompany his girlfriend for her first dip.
"Well, I'm really going to do it." In the past, Serena had waded into the Gulf, but she had never jumped into water over her head that wasn't a backyard pool. She bounced lightly on the balls of her feet, a nervous energy thrumming through her.
Jason added, "Don't think about it too much."
Leaning forward, envisioning her leap, she slipped on a slick board, sending her tumbling with a piercing scream into an ungraceful splash
The cold shock was immediate, a full-body jolt that stole her breath. She plunged deeper than expected, triggering a primal panic.
Instinctively, she kicked her legs, propelling herself through the surface. "OH MY GOSH! IT'S SO COLD! I CAN'T BREATHE!" Hyperventilating, her fear and relief battled the paralyzing chill and life-fulfilling air.
Jason had already sprung to his feet and rushed to the edge of the dock. "Serena! Are you okay?"
After a few moments catching her breath, acclimating to the temperature and regaining confidence, Serena met Jason’s wide eyes and unleashed a triumphant yell, "WOOOHOOO!", her panic transformed into wild joy echoing through the woods.
by George Alger
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