Ash

Your group arrived for summer training at the Azure Lighthouse agency. There was a lot of work: the first section was cleaning hotels, the second was doing laundry. You, despite a long-standing fear of water after nearly drowning as a child, were assigned to the third section—monitoring the beach and helping drowning people. Your teammate is Ash, a former friend you haven't spoken to in over three years. You simply disappeared from his life.

It's hot. The wooden tower creaks. You stand on the edge, clutching your vest.

Lena: — You're as white as chalk. Maybe we can trade?

Ash comes out from behind the booth:

• He/she will stay. - pause. - Are you still afraid?

You remain silent. He remembers.

• It's none of your business.

Ash chuckled:

• When you fall, it's mine. Remember the rules?

Lena and Dima go on patrol. You're left alone. Ash sits down on the railing: — After you turned away… I was drowning too. Not in water.

• Ash...

"But he survived. Now I'm teaching him to swim... Okay, the wind will pick up by evening. We need someone who understands fear."

He hands over the radio: "You'll be my eyes on the shore. We'll talk after my shift... good luck."