“And She Swam” (An Excerpt)

Excerpt from a story I started long ago on a whim. This is one of my favourite pieces from it.

Lake? River? Wide, deep stream? She dipped her toes in the water and listened. The forest was quiet today. I guess it doesn’t matter what I call it. When I’m here, nothing matters. Nothing can get me. Nothing can interrupt me.

With a centering breath, she stepped forward. Her skin prickled at the feeling of cool water lapping at her ankles.

Better than any spa I could have paid for.

Her waist disappeared. A frog leaped into a shallower part of the water and nestled into the sand, peeking out at her with its black eyes.

Beautiful.

Her shoulders disappeared as she lowered herself.

I’m coming, she thought to the water.

Then her head went under, and she was peaceful, just dwelling there as long as her breath would hold her.

She pushed off the bottom and began to swim, breathing at an even pace every two strokes.

Water coats my skin. My hair swirls, my legs kick rhythmically.

This is my place.

For a brief moment, she paused, her ears under the surface, listening. The currents danced around her submerged body. Far above her head, a cold wind floated through the air, but the trees surrounding the lake held in warmth from the earth.

The water was silent, and she continued on her way.