Two.
Three.
Four—
Five.
Too long—
Everything in my hand hit the floor before I realised I let go. I was running. My shoes screeched against the tile, my chest burning.
I didn’t even think. I just jumped.
The cold tore the air from my lungs as I hit the water.
I kicked down, eyes open, chlorine stinging.
There, her hair fanned around her face, eyes closed, arms loose. Still.
Fuck—fuck, fuck, fuck—no.
I grabbed her by the waist, hauling her up, lungs screaming until we broke the surface.
“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING?!”
My voice cracked. I didn’t care.
She coughed, water slipping from her lips, but she wouldn’t look at me.
“Are you insane?! Are you—fuck! Do you wanna die or something?!”
Nothing.
The way her silence hit me was worse than any scream.
“Look at me!” I shook her once, not hard, just enough to make her eyes open. “Do you think this is a game?! That I wouldn’t notice if you disappeared?!”
Nothing.
My throat caved in.
“Don’t,” I whispered, voice breaking as my arms tightened around her trembling frame. “P-please don’t do that. D-don’t leave. Don’t go where I can’t follow.”
She didn’t respond, only shivered against me, droplets running down her lashes, eyes empty but alive.
I dragged her to the edge, lifting her up first, water pouring from her clothes, then pulled myself out beside her.
We sat there, both of us dripping, both of us shaking.
Her cast was soaked, ruined. My shirt clung to me like a second skin.
But she was breathing.
I knelt in front of her, forehead pressing to her knees, arms wrapped around her legs tightly, still catching my breath.
I couldn’t look at her. I didn’t deserve to.
“Don’t ever do that again,” I whispered, gripping her legs tighter like a prayer. “Even if you hate me, even if you want to run… just don’t go without me.”
