CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

I can't stop coughing. The water that was filling my lungs comes out in spurts as Max cradles my head. He looks terrified, and I feel terrible for scaring him this way.

I cough more, and then I breathe in deeply. My chest feels tight, and I can't catch my breath.

"Victoria," Max whispers. "Are you okay?"

I nod and take another breath. I'm still coughing but I'm breathing. It hurts, but it's so good to be breathing again.

"Yeah," I whisper back. "I'm okay. I'm okay."

Max stares at me and smiles. He looks like a little kid on Christmas morning, and he leans forward and kisses me. I feel the pressure of his lips against mine, and I return his kiss.

He's here. He's really here. I don't know how he found me, but I'm so glad he did. I don't know what I would've done if he hadn't come back for me.

I pull away and start coughing again. I sit up and Max puts his arm around me. He leans over

to kiss me again, but I cough again. I cough so hard I start to throw up.

"Easy," Max says. "Do