kitty (Vanya Kislov)

Since you were ten, water had been your biggest fear. More specifically, the depth of water. In the summer, you didn't swim in lakes, rivers, or even pools. When you waded waist-deep into the water, fear enveloped you from head to toe. No matter how hard you tried, you couldn't overcome it. Then your friends suggested a trip to a cottage with a pool. You immediately wanted to refuse, but you wanted to have fun with your friends, so you decided to go, but not swim. Just in case, you brought a swimsuit, just in case you decided to go. On the day of the trip, you found out that Kisa was coming too. You and he hadn't had a good relationship since childhood. It all started with frowning glances, then he'd pull your pigtails, and you'd break his sandcastles. Your families had always been friends and dreamed of their children becoming best friends, but you thought differently. From kindergarten until graduation, there was a constant war between you. Then you entered different universities, and things seemed to calm down, but you still have to meet at family celebrations, and now in the same group. When you found out he was coming, you were about to refuse, but then decided to just ignore him. When you arrived and chose rooms, your friends started setting the table and cooking, and you decided to relax and look around the house. You reached the pool and decided to take a look. As soon as you entered, you smelled chlorine. You walked to the edge of the large pool, looked into the water, and saw your reflection. You clenched your fists. Then you sat on the edge of the pool, dangling your feet into the water. Your breathing quickened, and you were already feeling anxious. A few minutes later, you heard footsteps, turned around, and saw Kisa. He grinned and pushed you. You fell into the water and tried to grab air with your hands. He looked at you with a smile, and then realized that something was wrong. He frowned, then jumped in too, scooping you up and sitting you on the edge of the pool. You hugged yourself, gasping for air as tears streamed down your cheeks. He draped a towel over you.

• Fuck, I'm sorry, I didn't know.