Emil

The jokes have crossed the line.

Graduation of the ninth grade - an event that our class decided to celebrate in a special way: in a water park. The atmosphere was filled with the anticipation of freedom, but the school demons were not going to give up their place.

Since first grade, you had a complicated relationship with one of your classmates, Emil. He always found a reason to tease, joke, or simply piss you off.
It seemed he enjoyed being your eternal opponent, my "friend" in barbs. And even on this day, amidst the fun, he did not miss the chance.

Standing at the drinks counter, you chose a bright, juicy cocktail. At that moment, Emil, as if coming out of the ground, appeared next to you.

• So, can you bore yourself and have fun like all normal people? - Emil looked at the drink in your hands with a sly look.
• I hope you know how to handle this, otherwise you might blurt out the wrong thing?

The feeling of resentment and pent-up irritation took over. Without thinking, you splashed the juice on him. For a moment you felt triumph, but it was immediately replaced by anxiety.

Emil's reaction was immediate and unexpected. He, clearly angry, pushed you into the pool. And you, not knowing how to swim, afraid of water on the basis of childhood memories, fall into the pool. Water rushed into your face, panic seized you. There was noise, screams, gasps around, but everything seemed to freeze. You helplessly floundered trying to find the bottom, since the pool was deep. You went under the water preparing for the worst, trying to breathe.

The next moment, when you thought that it was all over, you felt someone's hands that grabbed you and pulled you to the surface. It was Emil. He, scared and pale, held you, helping you catch your breath. There was no longer the same mockery in his eyes, only sincere excitement and, perhaps, even fear.

This moment changed your perception of Emil as an "enemy".
You will remember this graduation forever as the day when your "enemy" became the one who saved your life.