Her Secret Salvation

Lucille

Diving through water, the current tossed me side-to-side, twin waves meeting in the night, as they crashed into one another, threatening to drown me.

Oxygen, how it left my lungs in silent screams– the bubbles rushing to the surface, the darkness eating at my vision as I panic, thrashing– kicking– trying to pull myself to the surface.

Where was I?

I had drifted off to sleep, restless but exhausted– my bones begging for comfort, to frolic and run– to explore a dreamscape, and instead– here I was, near death as I unsuccessfully navigated the rushing waters of some ocean deep within my mind.

My chest was squeezing in mock death as my subconscious was strangled. I gave one final kick, reaching for the small source of light, the moon shining high in the sky. My hands finally above the raging tide, the chilled air forced a shiver down my spine.

Pushing until my head finally broke through, I drug air down my throat– heaving, choking, coughing– as it cut through my lungs and forced the sea from its temporary home in my chest.

Vision still blurry, I paddled to keep myself above. An ocean– no land in sight– the only thing visible was the moon. The sky was clear, the crescent pinning me in the water, casting a glow– a low hum reverberating in my mind– I had been dangerously close to being forced back into my physical body.

“It is you, child.”

A whisper, as it tickled my ear drum– I whipped my head around, searching for the source of the sound, the voice– ethereal and strong, a woman–

“M-Mother?” I ask aloud– my words low enough to be drowned out by the waves still rippling around me–

“Trust him,” She spoke again–

“Trust wh–”

My question was cut off, a wave swallowing me from behind, and again I fought to stay above the surface.

I stayed there, floating for hours, calling to the voice– calling to Mother. It had to be Mother– my secret friend, our creator– She had never spoken to me before, and yet, I was sure.

I was so very, very sure.

How wrong I would turn out to be.