Standing on the beach of safety, the water almost seems to lash out in irritation, urging me either forward or backward. I step away. The sand squishes below my feet, it’s soft texture comforting me. I breathe in the salty air, and it burns my nose. I filter out the voices and movements of other beach-goers, their laughing and yelling lost in the thick, heavy worry of my mind. Trembling slightly, I reach one foot out to touch the water’s surface. It’s shocking cold makes me audibly gasp, and I have to reassure myself I can do this.

I can do this. I can do this. I can do thi-nope, I stared too long at the water. It roars menacingly back at me. Oh, WHY did I make a bet with my friends? I can’t swim! I’ll drown!

I do need the money though. Twenty whole dollars! You can do this, Aria, just step-one foot, then the other.

As much as I try, I can’t will myself to move. It’s as if some invisible barrier is between me and the sea. Maybe my friends’ tactic was the correct one- I just have to jump in.

Well, THATS terrifying.

Okay, one, two, three-

God, this water is COLD!

(Didn’t have much time but wanted to grow my streak, I might edit this later).