Vincenzo

VINCENZO

I stared down at the water—jaw clenched in full concentration.

“Siete pronti.” [Ready?]

I braced up. Having gathered enough momentum, I signaled to Michele with a thumbs up.

"And go!"

I plunged headfirst into the freezing pool. The water hit me hard on the face. I pierced down to the bottom of the pool, coming to lie face up. Bubbles left my nostrils. I left my eyes open for a while before shutting them. The serenity of the pool lulled me to sleep.

Some time later, I jerked awake and pushed upwards to the surface. With my head out, I sucked in air. Fuck. My chest weighed tons. Ignoring the pressure, I came to realize that the sun had reached its peak. Had I actually stayed that long underwater?

And come to think of it, where was Michele? I looked around. The fucker. He'd grown tired of waiting and had left. Good for him. Now, he'd know better than to question my lung agility.

I swam to the edge of the pool, groaning and got out of the water. I padded to the awning, the