“You okay?”
“The ocean attacked me.”
“The ocean has been here for a while. It’s unlikely to change its personality for you.”
“I find that disappointing.”
“Try again?”
“No.”
She waited.
I stared at her.
She continued waiting.
“You’re very patient,” I said.
“I get paid either way.”
“That makes it less touching.”
“Try again.”
The second attempt was better.
The third time, I cleared the mask without making a noise that would frighten local wildlife.
Ellie gave me the okay sign.
I gave it back.
She narrowed her eyes.
“What now?”
“The crab’s lawyer has requested a meeting.”
I laughed.
It was a mistake.
Water splashed into my mouth, and I coughed.
Ellie caught my elbow.
“Maybe save the jokes until you have the regulator in.”
“You started it.”
“I’m an instructor. I’m allowed.”
“Convenient.”
Once we moved into deeper water, I expected panic.
I expected my body to reject the entire idea of trusting plastic tubes, compressed air, and a woman I had known for less than twenty-four hours with my continued existence.
