A Cry for Help

It was barely audible at first. Gianna heard it, just a faint whisper on the wind. Curious, they walked down the old stone steps closer to the sea. It grew louder, the cry growing more panicky.

"Hurry," Gianna said, and Aaron hustled down to the beach. It wasn't far offshore. And Aaron was a good swimmer despite his slender frame.

"Help him!" Gianna cried out. Aaron jumped into the water. Further offshore, there was a small boat sinking. The man had swam off, but apparently had lost a lot of stamina even getting this far to the island.

Aaron swam out to him. The man latched onto him, threatening to pull them both under. Aaron spat out the sea water. It wasn't far, he knew. Not far to touching bottom.

He didn't feel he had much stamina left either by the time they could touch bottom. They got to the beach, and Aaron looked at him for the first time ...