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.

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.

on her oxygen tank, using every ounce of her strength to ascend, making the universal distress signal

carried, hoping to alert the lifeguard immediately. But there was no

pushed herself upwards. If

movements slowed, and as she began to suffocate, her limbs weakened

close. If only she could muster a

was about to give

"Anne!"

"Roseanne, wake up!"

and unzipping her wetsuit. Fresh air rushed into her lungs,

her lungs

and she couldn't help but cough

of suffocation faded, Roseanne felt like she was

death! I thought you wouldn't wake

momentarily stunned, and her voice was

It felt like it took forever to find you. When I finally did, you were unconscious.