Page 104 of Sands of Atonement

One, two, three.

Sliding in was the worst decision I ever made. I couldn’t see anything—my eyes burned from the mineral water, my body completely submerged.

My mind went back to all those years ago, and I froze, forgetting how to get myself out of this alive.

My mouth begged to find air as water swallowed me whole, sucking me deeper. My toes couldn’t find the bottom. I was completely turned around.

The feeling was paralyzing.

I was pulled further into my memories.

Grabbing onto the surface of the water, I found nothing, just like that night.

The side of the bath had completely disappeared.

Water flooded into my veins every time I looked for breath.

My lungs burned and burned—needing air.

I couldn’t breathe.

Was this my last moment in life? Will this be the time I meet my family?

My heart pounded violently, looking for an escape.

If only my toes could reach the⁠—

More water seeped into my mouth.

Suddenly, I felt something wrap around my waist.

My mind raced⁠—

A monster was pulling me⁠—

No, someone was lifting me up.

My mouth made contact with the air. Water immediately exploded out of my throat. I begged for air to fill me up. I could barely see through my eyes, but I knew by his touch alone who had just saved my life.

My trembling arm wrapped itself around his neck, and I clung to him.

I couldn’t let go.

I was so afraid.

The sounds that came from me, I couldn’t find my breath. My entire being was shaking.

Ezra continued to hold me.

It was an iron hold—he wasn’t going to let me go.

My heart calmed. I held myself tighter to him, afraid my shaking body would slip from his.

“It’s okay. I’ve got you,” he whispered.

A sob came from me, but I think it was just the water leaving my throat.

I tried to talk, but my tongue was heavy, and my throat burned.