The cold water took my breath away as it quickly closed in around me. The darkness was everywhere as I continued downward into the depths my legs kicking hard. I was unsure how long I cold hold my breath and had no idea how deep this water hole might be nor what lay beneath the placid surface. As I descended deeper the darkness seemed to wane until suddenly I realized I could see my outstretched arms and my hands moving in front of me.
The light was a glow that seemed to come from the corner as it shone into the darkness. I could see the bottom and rocks and dirt below. My hands touched the cold slimy mud and rocks as they slide across the bottom sending wafts of dirt swirling through the water. I could see that the light was seemingly coming from nowhere and everywhere all at once and it cast an ethereal glow into the darkness.
My breath was fading as my lungs began to ache my heart beating heavily. With an inward sigh I turned and pushing my feet off the bottom propelled myself towards the surface. As my head broke the surface of the water I gasped for breath and begin dog paddling frantically. It was then that I heard the laughter. It was my older brother and his two friends. Making my way to the edge of the concrete circle I heard him say,
“Man, you are such an idiot! I can’t believe you would follow that map all the way here much less jump in! Ha! Ha! Well enjoy your walk back!”
With that my brother bent down and picked up my clothes which had been lying on the bank where I left them before jumping in. He turned with his two friends and they walked off laughing. I pulled myself over the edge of the concrete and swam to the shore but my brother and my clothes were no long gone. I stood on the shore soaking wet water dripping down my body by the edge of the lake under the late afternoon sun. I knew I had a long barefoot walk in front of me and should get started but I lingered.
Slowly, I raised my right arm up to in front of my chest and opened my clenched fist. Lying amidst the mud and muck were three gold coins. I brushed them off as best I cold with my other hand revealing a strange portrait on one of the coins. Each one had unfamiliar writing. The coins seemed warm to my touch and began to shine more brilliantly as the seconds passed by. They cast a golden light all around me.
I then closed my hand around the coins as rays of light shone from between my fingers from the glowing coins. I began walking the five miles back home, but knew that I would be back.
Mark Schutter ©2013
This story was written from the image and text prompt above for Free Write F
riday using what is called stream of consciousness writing, no editing, no proofing just writing! Please check out Kellie Elmore’s blog for more information on Free Write Friday’s, comment with you link on Kellie’s blog, post on twitter hashtag #FWF and join the fun!
