Page 112 of Phoenix

Four seconds.

Five seconds.

And then her little head breaks the surface just a few feet from me.

“Arya! I’ve got you. I’ve got you girl.” I reach out and grab ahold of her collar, holding on so tightly.

She is barking and crying. Clearly terrified and confused. I try my best to comfort her, but she’s wiggling around, whimpering.

“Shh. Shh. It’s okay. I’m here. We are okay.” The lies leave my lips painfully.

The water is lapping at my mouth, inching higher and higher.

I try to move again, but my leg is useless. There is no strength left.

This is it. This is where my story ends.

I pull Arya closer, scratching her face. “I’m sorry, girl. I’m so sorry.” I kiss her head, trying to soothe her as best I can. “I love you, Arya. You are a fucking fantastic partner.” She is scared. She doesn’t understand what is happening. She was only doing her job. She was only protecting me.

The water kisses my lips before finally overtaking my nose.

My chest begins to ache, to constrict in panic. I can hear the faint sound of sirens above us, but they won’t get to us in time.

I close my eyes, accepting my fate, and all I see is Nora’s smile.

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