Best Friend

It seemed simple enough. Jump in the water, slide down the rope and float under the ocean.

I was frozen, staring wildly at the ocean floor, 40 meters away from me.

Breathe in, breathe out, control your breathing.

My lungs and heart fought like soldiers in battle, unable to find common ground.

It felt like the ocean was suffocating me slowly. I couldn’t get enough air, there wasn’t enough air.

 I wanted more, I needed more. The thought clouded my brain like smoke in a small space.

I turned my head, searching for comfort. I couldn’t believe my eyes. She was floating like an angel, so effortlessly in her scuba diving suit.

Divinity in motion. This couldn’t be the same person.

The one who refused to sleep with the light off? The one who was too scared to go on hikes?

Well. If she could do it, then so could I.

I conquered my fear. I reigned in on my breathing and heart like it was a wild horse.

One hand after another, inching down the endlessly long rope until my feet touch ground.

Breathe in, breathe out, control your breathing.

I looked around, entranced by the wonders around me. Captivated by the underwater beauty.

I felt sticky, the salt from the ocean still clinging to my skin and hair.

I turned to her and smiled.

“It wasn’t so bad with you by my side.”