Page 76 of Maddening Fixation

The children remained scattered across the gardens, too busy arguing over imaginary dragons and fairy tales to notice.

I didn’t think.

I ran.

The cold water swallowed my shoes as I splashed toward him.

I couldn’t swim.

I knew that.

But leaving him there wasn’t an option.

Near the shoreline lay a long fallen tree branch.

I seized it with both hands and pushed farther into the lake until the freezing water reached my waist.

“Take it!” I screamed.

Romeo’s movements were growing weaker.

His head disappeared beneath the surface.

Then, at the last possible second...

His hand broke through the water and caught the branch.

I planted my feet into the muddy lakebed and pulled with everything I had.

He was heavy.

Far heavier than I had expected.

The branch bent dangerously.

I slipped.

My feet disappeared beneath me.

For one terrifying moment, I thought we were both going under.

Somehow...

I found my footing again.

With one final desperate pull, I dragged him close enough to grab hold of his shirt.

I hauled him toward the shore inch by agonizing inch.

Just as we reached the bank, my stomach slammed against something sharp hidden beneath the water.

A jagged piece of rusted metal.

Pain exploded through my abdomen.

I gasped.

Warmth spread beneath my dress.