I don't think she got a breath of air as she sank beneath the water one last time, sinking to the bottom, squirming on the end of the rope.I don't think she got a breath of air as she sank beneath the water one last time, sinking to the bottom, squirming on the end of the rope. I looked up at Doc. He held the rope attached to her harness with his left hand. With his right he ticked off one-two-three-four- five and then pulled on the harness, hauling Neira to the surface. When she broke air she gasped, screaming. She coughed water and tears came from her eyes. He pulled her over to the edge and four people jumped to his assistance, pulling her out and lying her down on the tiles. She grabbed ahold of Doc and held him close, crying loudly and incessantly, coughing with the effort of catching her breath. Doc held her close, his arms wrapped around her to hold her tightly. "It's okay," I could hear him saying, "It's okay..." I heard Aaden finally let out his breath. "Wow," he whispered softly. "That was heavy." I nodded. "C'mon, let's go see if we can find Perian." He nodded, still staring at Doc and Neira as they cuddled and comforted each other. And I could believe Doc needed comforting, too, after that. I tugged on his fur softly and he followed me obediently, still staring. We walked back up the stairs until we were in a quiet space. "Pam? Where's Perian?" "Perian and Menissa are currently in the social room. |