Underwater

When Yohana realized she was underwater, her brain and body began to work in sync. Her muscles relaxed, allowing her to float to the surface. 

Calmly kicking the water, she emerged and took a deep, panicky breath, followed by a series of more controlled ones. Yohana remained in that spot for some time, ensuring she had balanced her breath.

She turned around to survey the surroundings, searching for the nearest land. Silently thanking her harsh life on the streets for contributing to her swimming skills, she swam toward the shore. Without that experience, she might have drowned.

Her thin cotton dress was soaked, and the freezing air outside the water made Yohana shiver uncontrollably. She hugged herself tightly, realizing the urgent need for shelter and dry clothes.

"Goodness! Yohana, are you alright?" 

A middle-aged woman rushed to Yohana, taking her arm for support. "Did they do this to you? This has gone overboard. I will talk to them."