Single post in Shifting Fates

The bald, red trunks-wearing man leered at her. “Is that how you ask a question?” “Hurry!” Before the lifeguard could fully get out of his seat, they heard a scream from the water. Kaname looked back. Somehow, the waves had managed to carry a child near the edges of the safe zone. The little girl was either too scared or not strong enough to swim back to shore. “But it’s not him,” she whispered to herself as the lifeguard ran past. While trying to remember if she’d met a little girl recently, Kaname ran after the guy. They both dove into the chilly waters and swam as fast as they could. The waves pushed against them the further they swam, but soon the girl’s cries overcame the lapping waves. “I gotcha, kid,” the lifeguard said as he swam next to the girl and kept her afloat. “Are you hurt?” “No,” she whined before Kaname drifted next to them. “Hurry,” Kaname said. “Let’s get her out of the water.” “Dang, you two are fast.” Kaname’s heart beat twice. She turned around and saw him… that boy from the hospital. He drifted up to them. “I was in the water before either of you,” he continued, “and you still beat me out here. That’s incredible.” “Oh, God.” Kaname panicked. “Get out of the water!” She urged both the lifeguard and the boy to start swimming. Puzzled, the boy let the lifeguard and the child pass before scanning the deeper waters for some threat. All appeared calm. Frowning, he began swimming back to shore. On his second stroke, something clamped on his left leg and snatched him under the surface of the water. Spiking pains ripped through his leg as water forced its way down his throat and into his lungs. He struggled desperately to break free while fighting for another breath. He was dragged deeper, away from the light an instant before sharp rows of teeth snapped shut around his head. Wailing and soaked with tears, Kaname sprang up. She swung violently, but her hands only cut through the air. She opened her eyes, expecting to be surrounded by water. The blurry room was dark and quiet. After wiping away tears, she flung back the sheets and examined her left leg. Besides feeling incredibly sore, it was fine. No wounds nor scars. Moments later, a nurse rushed into the room and flipped on the lights. “Are you okay?” Still trembling and unable to think straight, Kaname couldn’t respond. She stared vacantly at her leg. How could she have cursed that boy to such a horrible death?