Chapter 12: Luke's Secret

As I was kicking and paddling back toward Luke, he turned and made a move to grab onto the raft and kick. But due to Luke’s weight, the raft tilted below the waterline. When he popped his head up, his legs sank, yet it was still too deep in that part of the pool for him to stand. He started flailing and splashing, his head bobbing up and down.

When I realized he was struggling, I swam over to help and he grabbed onto me. I put his arm around my shoulder and kicked as hard as I could to the wall, paddling with my other arm. Once I got him to the side, he grabbed it, coughing.

“It’s OK,” I said. “It was just a scare.”

“That was so stupid,” he said. “I thought I had it.” He looked upset along with a little relieved.

“The raft just isn’t sturdy enough for those big muscles of yours.” I wanted to lighten the mood, make him feel better.