Shadows in the Water

September Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Shadows”

I almost drowned off this dock.

Danger lurks in the water.

One summer vacation, when I was in middle school, my best friend and I went up to the neighboring town and found a group of kids gathered to swim at a sketchy-looking dock. I had misgivings but joined my friend in the river. Peer pressure is mighty at that age.

The current was strong. As long as I stuck by the dock, I was fine, but kids were jumping into the water and swimming in my way. I got pushed farther and farther out. Soon, I found myself separated from the others and struggling to keep my head up.

I had a moment of pure panic. The river was about to take me. My muscles were barely strong enough to keep me afloat, and no one was looking in my direction. What would my parents do without me?

Then, miraculously, I fought my way out of the current. I paddled back to the other kids without any of them having noticed. Embarrassed, I didn’t say a word.

The river is beautiful, but there are shadows in the water. They will take you if you let them. Sometimes, it’s best to stay on dry land.