“Everyone should know how to swim,” her mom had said. “Water can save you or kill you. Respect it, but don’t fear it.” Sarah swam further out, her arms cutting through the water in smooth strokes. The music from the barbecue grew louder as someone turned up the speakers. The bikers were laughing and talking, paying no attention to the woman swimming alone. Maya’s eyes grew heavy.
Maybe she could rest here a little while. The sand was soft and the sound of the water was peaceful. When it got dark, the bikers would leave and she could look through their trash for food scraps. It wasn’t the first time she’d done that. Then Maya saw something that made her sit up straight. Sarah’s arms were moving strangely.
Not the smooth strokes from before, but wild splashing. For a second, the woman’s head disappeared under the water, then popped up again. Her mouth opened in what looked like a cry for help, but the music was too loud for anyone to hear. Maya looked toward the barbecue. No one was watching the lake.
They didn’t see what was happening. Sarah went under again, longer this time. When she came up, her movements were weaker. “She’s drowning,” Maya whispered, her heart racing. “That lady is drowning and nobody sees.” Maya watched Sarah disappear under the water again. This time she didn’t come back up. 5 seconds passed. 10 seconds.
The surface of the lake was smooth where Sarah had been, as if she had never been there at all. Someone help her, Maya whispered, looking toward the bikers. The music blasted an old rock song. People laughed and talked. No one was looking at the lake. No one had seen what happened. Maya’s hands gripped the rough wood of the pier. She should stay hidden.
