Noa

"Is that all you know how to say?" I asked, huffing. Air bubbles escaped my lips as I did that and I suddenly remember that I am underwater. Floating. 

My hands quickly went to my mouth as I felt my stomach churn. 

"What wrong, Meraki?" 

"I feel like throwing up," I said through clenched teeth. 

"We are just swimming. You were fine before." 

"I could feel the difference between the water and the air. But now I am only surrounded by this so I feel nothing." I said, not understanding a word that came out of my mouth. 

"If you don't think about it, nothing is going to happen." The sculpture said. 

Is it trying to give me advice? 

"I'll try," I answered pushing back the urge to roll my eyes. "What do you want then?"

"I am the guardian of this garden." It began in a booming voice. "You are part of the Sagepice family, are you not?" 

"I am." 

"Why are you here?" It asked.