Novel & Cerita Treading Water Book

“Especially then.” That lands hard across the group. Family is the word this city used to keep them still. Now it is a hazard warning. The heat exchange hatch opens under the counseling clearance. Steam rolls out. Route two smells like rust, hot water, and old algae. Sarah smiles without humor. “Flooded is generous.” Water laps halfway up the first ladder. Tavi peers down. “I can swim.” Lysa says, “No one asked for optimism.” “I can also hold my breath.”

“The water will hold you. Breathe in… and let go.” That sounded way easier than it actually looked at the moment. I took a deep breath and tried. But my body stiffened at first with my legs sinking deep “Easy,” he said softly. “You’re safe. I’ve got you. Kick your legs gently, start with small movements. Like you’re walking through clouds.” “Walking through clouds? Is that a thing?” I asked as I tried steadying my breath. He chuckled and I felt his whole body moving against mine. “It's a metaphor, just do it.”

I only had a year to find my answers, no distractions was a good way to start. "Venus, honey, are you ready?" My mom called me from the kitchen, as I opened my bedroom door. "Yes, mom be right there." I called back. Walking towards the kitchen, I was singing Famous Last Words out loud. "I am not afraid to keep on living, I am not afraid to walk this world alone, honey if you stay I'll be forgiven, Nothing you can say can stop me going home. Can you see my eyes are shining bright? Cause I'm out here on the other side of a jet black hotel mirror and I'm so weak..."

“Try to swim across the pond to me.” I changed direction and swam toward Victor. We met almost in the center of the pond. “I want to teach you how to tread water,” he said. “Is the water deep here?” I asked. “Yes, but don’t panic. I’m right here. Just stay in place, kick your legs beneath you, and move your arms back and forth at your sides.” I did as he said, and it worked. My head was staying above water. “Woo hoo. I can do it,” I said and sank.

Suddenly, he took off into the water. As the depth reached his knees, he was knocked down not once but twice, before hurtling the oncoming waves like a track and field star, laughter bubbling continually from his lips. When the water was deep enough, he dived headlong into an approaching wave. Completely submerged, he could almost feel the salt scrubbing at his skin. He knew enough not to open his eyes under the water, lest they burn. James planted his feet on the sandy bottom and drove straight up and out into the sunny air. He was exhilarated. No way is she going to miss this, he said to himself.

The water was ankle-deep by the time Savannah’s breath caught in her throat; knee-deep within moments. She caught Colton’s arm, fingers digging into the wet fabric of his sleeve. His other hand clamped around hers without question, his grip the only thing tethering her to the moment. Their steps were uneven, ragged—every movement slowed by the drag of the water. Somewhere deep beneath them, things were dying. Not people—at least not yet—but the secrets that had lived down there. Thousands of them, built into the marrow of this place. She felt their pull as she ran—like a tide of ghosts clawing for the surface, begging her to hear them before they drowned forever.

Theo watched, mesmerized, as it spread across her skin, creating intricate patterns that almost looked like armor. "Look at this, Theo," she said softly, her voice low but clear. "Water is powerful, but it's also adaptable. It can take any shape, flow around any obstacle. It finds its way through even the smallest cracks. It's a reminder that we have to be flexible, even when we're facing something that seems impossible."

There was something in there. “Come on, let's go.” Zadok beckoned at me with an alarmed look. I tried to run, but my feet remained rooted to the spot. Zadok noticed my hesitation and ran to me. He held out his hand and said, “Let’s go.” But for some reason, I refused to take his hand. “Tell me what it is. Give me the book. There is something inside that water. We can’t cross over until we know what it is.” I argued, stalling him.

I looked towards Dad who gave me the go ahead sign “ Dad “ I even hugged him tight. “ Listen carefully . I am going to pull this plug . Water will start descending and then you can break this glass and run to the far end as after some point this glass would break and the water will gush out with a high speed." He pulled the plug. Water started descending. Instantly I undid the ropes and pulled Kavya. Water gushed out at high speed. Author note Thanks Siriskka for voting for my book. Love you. Do comment and let me know about your views on the book

Guill gave him an approving nod before both of their gazes fell expectantly towards me. I fondled with my fingers nervously and I looked at the water. One thing I learned about still water is that there are usually no marine animals living there. That or there’s a bigger predator in the water. I sat on the icy cold floor and looked up at Trei in hopes that he would give me some advice. Trei met my gaze and gave me an apologetic look. Right. He’s not supposed to interfere.