Makar

The sun was melting the asphalt, and your group unanimously decided that it was time to go to the pool, well, why not?

You took the lounge chairs right by the water, laughed, and took pictures of your cocktails. You dove in first, overtaking your friends, feeling the cool air envelop your body.

You were playing ball, fooling around. You swam out to the depths, where the bottom dropped off into the dark blue gloom. You dove for your fallen glasses—and suddenly your leg was seized by a sharp, stabbing cramp. Pain shot through your calf, and you jerked, inhaling water instead of air. You thrashed your arms, but your body went rigid, pulling you down. All you heard was a dull ringing sound and your own frightened sob, stuck in your throat.

And then—strong arms. A moment—and you were yanked from this seething abyss. You flew to the surface, coughing and gasping for air, pressed against a broad chest. You were carried to the edge and laid on the warm tiles. The light hurt your eyes, and a face leaned over. Wet dark hair, a strong jaw, and blue eyes.

"Breathe," he ordered in a low voice, checking her pulse. Her friends were fussing around her, and someone was crying.

He helped you sit up and wrapped you in a towel. He looked at your leg and gently massaged your calf, which made the pain subside.

And then, slightly bowing his head, he smiled with the corner of his lips and, looking straight into the eyes, quietly said:

• Well, kitten, you have to be more careful.