D is for Depth

We had rented the boat for a couple of hours to get away from the crowds. The group was fun, but we really just wanted some time alone to explore. The water was crystal clear and we were on the hunt for fish and sea turtles.

He stopped about a quarter of a mile away from the shore and pulled off his shirt. “What are you doing?” I asked.

“I’m going to see what’s down there. Aren’t you coming?”

I shook my head. “I’ll just look from up here. You know that I don’t like the idea of things swimming around my legs.”

He laughed. “What if the thing is me?”

I groaned. “Still not a fan. Enjoy, though.” I reached into the cooler and grabbed a bottle of water. “I’ll just sit here and enjoy the scenery.”

He went over the side and disappeared under the boat. I could see his feet kicking as he went down farther. Then nothing.

Thirty seconds later, he came up for air. “I saw a turtle! It’s really pretty down here and it’s not deep. Are you sure you don’t want to come?”

I shook my head. “I’m not that strong of a swimmer and what if I can’t get back into the boat?”

His hand came out of the water and extended in my direction. “I would never let anything happen to you. And I promise that I will help you get back in the boat.”

My heart was pounding, but I pulled off my shirt and shorts. “I swear that if a fish nibbles on me, you will die.”

He looked at me hungrily. “I guarantee that if anything is going to nibble on you, it will be me.”

“Promises, promises. Now help me into the water.”

With zero grace, I slid over the side and splashed into the water. I came up sputtering for air and pushing my wet hair away from my face. “I think that’s enough.”

“Come on. You’re already wet. Come to the depths of the lagoon with me and see your turtle.” I took his hand and a big breath. I nodded at him and we went down.

The sunlight was shining through the water and I could see colorful fish nearby. They saw me too and decided that my toes didn’t look that tasty and shot off in the opposite direction. And then…the turtle. He was just swimming along and I almost gasped until I remembered that I was underwater. I pointed excitedly and you nodded.

One last look and we headed for the surface. “That was so cool! He was so close and I can’t believe we saw one in the wild!”

You smiled. “Thank you for trusting me.” You gave me a quick boost and I was back in the boat, safe and sound.

“Thank you for pushing me out of my comfort zone,” I said as I kissed your nose.

“One more quick dive and I’ll be back. And then…about those nibbles.”