Prologue

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

Exactly how long do I have to wait? Time is quickly ticking its way down to nothing. I can't concentrate. I can't think. I can't breathe.

"And now, for our next batch of swimmers, we have Gerald Smith from Hundsburg Academy, Pete Anderson from Louisville School, Kyle Morris from St. Boniface Academy, Judson Moon from Wittenshire High..."

And as our names were called, each of the contenders took a step to the platform. Breathe, Kyle. This is your last chance to show them all what you've got. All your efforts and hard works will soon be paid. If you only breathe...

"Ready, get set..." And a shot was heard.

Everyone was screaming like hell. But I couldn't concentrate on that now. One stroke after the other. My arms and legs have to move in coordination to each other. One stroke. Then another. And another one.

Now, for the rounds...













HELL!

My legs couldn't move. Not cramps, precisely. It was like they were frozen solid. I tried to flap my arms but it seems to be useless and stupid. Gasps and shouts were everywhere. They were suddenly so loud. It's too much. Definitely too much. I slowly opened my eyes only to find clear blue.

The color of water, but why is it above me...?

Am I drowning?

How ironic. I am a swimmer after all...

Well...

There goes my trophy...

Way above the surface of everything.

The next thing I knew...













I am dead.