The Boy with Water Wings

We met when the light was low and a breeze lifted the sea's surface.

Don't listen, they said. He'll draw you into the depths. Keep your sights on the light.

I did at first, unblinking.

But he returned to the pier every evening with his quick smile, his silhouette an easy shadow for the sun.

'Come in, come in.' He beckoned. 'The water is warm and clear.'

I followed him to where dappled light barely kissed the sand bed.

We danced in the coral with the Red-toothed trigger fish nipping. Smooth Hammerheads looked on.

When he broke the surface tension, I watched him soar into the clouds. And I stared after the light, unblinking. Breath still held.