One Second

Kids laughed. I saw nothing.

They sound under water.

I cannot breathe or see my mom’s panicked face… just hear her scream.

Then a hand pushing my belly and air in my lungs.

Coughing water out. Sucking in big breaths of air.

Sight. The clouds, the pool, my mom and a man.

I had not seen this man before.

“Mom”… I whispered.

“It’s okay honey. Everything is going to be okay.”

I didn’t know if she was trying to convince me or herself.