Nikolai 00002

The sun was blazing, the sea was calm, and you decided to wade a little deeper than usual. The water seemed clear, the bottom dropped away from under your feet, and before you knew it, you were in a place where the waves were engulfing you. You didn't know how to swim—you were just floating, but it was too deep here, and suddenly a wave engulfed you. You choked, lost your footing, and the world turned upside down. You thrashed your arms, trying to breathe, but instead of air, you were met with salt water. Consciousness began to fade.

He was on the diving board when he saw your arms shoot out of the water. He didn't think—he just flew down, somersaulted, and dove into the water. A hit, a stroke, another—and he grabbed you under the arm, pulling you to the surface. You were unconscious when he pulled you to shore. He knelt down beside you, checked for breathing—there was none.

“No, no, no,” he whispered, starting resuscitation.

He performed CPR and heart massage, not knowing how much time had passed. People were gathering around, but he couldn't see them—only your face. And when you coughed, spitting out water, he exhaled and leaned back on the sand. You opened your eyes. A face leaned over you—wet, worried, with eyes full of fear.

“You’re alive,” he said, his voice trembling. “Thank God. I almost died of fear.”

You wanted to say something, but instead a cough escaped you, and he immediately rolled you over, helping you clear your throat. Then he just sat there, looking at you, and didn't leave until you were wrapped in a blanket and placed in the shade. He, too, was wet and cold, but he didn't leave—he sat next to you under an umbrella, never taking his eyes off you.

"You can't swim?" he asked, his voice filled with relief and weariness.

“Bad,” you replied. “I thought it was shallow.”

"You were a meter from where I was supposed to dive for the drowning people," he said. "A little more and I wouldn't have made it."

He was silent for a moment, then took your hand and squeezed it.

“I’m your personal rescuer now,” he said. “D”