Air
The last thing he saw was the moon glowing bright and fat above him. Then, the icy water gripped him, squeezing the air from his chest like a giant’s fist.
It began with joy and frivolity. His wife had surprised him with a cruise. They would travel to the sun-bleached islands of the Caribbean. No Children, no cell phones, no jobs, no bills … they could just be together and in love under the sun. After so many years of working hard to provide for their future, they would be able to relax and enjoy some of the fruits of their labor.
It had been amazing. The food was delicious and plentiful. The sun had been bright and inviting. The nights had been cool and comfortable. He’d never had so much fun.
But good things must come to an end.
No one was to blame. If he had been able to think about it, he would have known that. The moon dipped behind a lone cloud for less than a minute, but really, only a second would been enough time. The water on the deck was hidden in the shadow, and the two drinks he’d had with dinner had left him slightly off balance. One second, he was talking with his beloved … then next, he was flying head over feet off the ship.
His lungs burned hot, and his heart hammered. The surface shimmered so far away. He’d fallen from the boat and was embraced by the icy sea before he could even cry out. Lungs ready to burst, he kicked and pulled with all of his might toward the silver moonlight dancing across the water’s surface. Fear filled him. He knew that he was finished with his accent. His vision dimmed, and his strength left. In his last moments, he was filled with calm. All he saw was her face smiling at him, young again and standing at the end of the aisle, her father by her side. She was radiant in her beauty, and now, as then, it took his breath away.
Then he breathed.