Courage
Shivering in just a one piece suit, her vulnerability out on display. For all could see, she was deathly afraid.
Held into place, she stood frozen at its edge. She could not step back, she could not step away. And yet with a mere hesitation, she was instantly delayed.
One look at the still water, goose pimples were raised. Her eyes widened as she stared down to imminent death that could manifest in many different ways.
To lose air, to be held down beneath the surface, to lose sight and sense and surrender to the water. She couldn’t escape it, it all boiled down, there would always be the high possibility that she could ultimately drown.
And yet, with one deep inhale, she closes her eyes. And in that slight sliver of a second, her fear subsides. Time stops. Knees bent, she springs up and out. She jumps. She’s in. And she’s under.
