Jump

They stood on the edge of the pool. The deep end. Taking her small hand in hers, she jumped. She’d survive the initial shock and it would be fine. Get it over with. But half way in, after what felt like a long time had passed, when it was too late, the bottom didn’t hit her feet. There was nothing to push off and she began to panic that there wasn’t enough time. What if she hadn’t taken a big enough breath? What if she wasn’t going to make it after all? She kicked harder and prayed to see the spluttering child’s face at the broken surface