Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Thinking fast, Roseanne turned and started swimming as if her life depended on it, which it did.

The school of fish around her sensed her panic and scattered in every direction.

She gritted her teeth and risked a quick look behind her, only to see the shark rapidly closing in on her.

Looking around, she noticed the reef was all around her. But a dark cave was not too far away. Seizing the chance, she changed direction, propelling herself toward the cave.

She could almost feel the shark's breath on her neck, so close that she dared not look back. In the nick of time, she darted into the cave.

Boom! The shark's massive body collided against the entrance, causing the surrounding coral to tremble.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

The impact forced Roseanne's arm to bend awkwardly, sending a sharp pain through her limb. She tried moving her arm. Thankfully, it responded. She planned to wait until the shark left before attempting to surface.

However, within minutes, she noticed her oxygen becoming alarmingly thin. That was not right! Her instructor had assured her that a tank would last at least three hours. It hadn't been nearly that long. How could it be empty?

As the oxygen dwindled, the shark still lingered outside. Sweat beaded on Roseanne's forehead. When she thought she couldn't hold on any longer, the shark swam away.

She strapped on her oxygen tank, using every ounce of her strength to ascend, making the universal distress signal toward the designated spot.

Additionally, she pressed the emergency button she carried, hoping to alert the lifeguard immediately. But there was no response.

Without wasting a moment, Roseanne pushed herself upwards. If she ran out of oxygen, she feared the worst.

After what seemed like forever, her movements slowed, and as she began to suffocate, her limbs weakened and her body started to sink uncontrollably.

Her eyelids grew heavy. The surface was so close. If only she could muster a bit more strength. But she couldn't hold on.

Tears filled Roseanne's eyes, and when she was about to give up, a familiar face appeared, reaching out to her.

"Anne!"

"Roseanne, wake up!"

Leda dragged her onto the boat, swiftly removing her oxygen tank and unzipping her wetsuit. Fresh air rushed into her lungs, and Roseanne breathed greedily.

However, her lungs felt like they

were being pricked with needles the next moment, and she couldn't help but cough violently. That cough brought up several mouthfuls of water.

As the sensation of suffocation faded, Roseanne felt like she was reborn.

"You scared me to death! I thought you wouldn't wake up!" Leda said, hitting her lightly while wiping away tears.

Roseanne was momentarily stunned, and her voice was hoarse. "I'm okay."

"I saw your distress signal and knew something was off. It felt like it took forever to find you. When I finally did, you were unconscious. I was so scared."

Leda shuddered at what could have happened if she'd been even a second later.

Thankfully, Roseanne was safe. With

that thought, Leda couldn't help but

hug her and sob, "When I was giving you OPR, I was terrified... terrified

that

t you wouldn't wake un

Roseanne coughed again, smiling, "So that's who was kissing me. It was you, huh?"

"Stop it!" Leda scolded, "This is no time for jokes!"