17 Jan One Final Swim

“Matthew!”

I could barely hear my mother’s voice as it trailed across the beach. The crashing waves provided a rhythmic soundtrack that all but drowned out her calls. Besides, I had no intention of listening anyway. It was the last day of summer, and I planned on spending every last moment in the ocean.

Well, technically, summer didn’t end for another month or so. But Mother had been packing up the caravan all day yesterday, and I knew we would be leaving in the evening. Leaving the sandy beach that I loved so dearly to head back west to our home in Buffalo. Freezing cold Buffalo.

But for now, we were on the sandy shores of Long Island, and the ocean beckoned for a final swim. I ignored my Mother’s calls, and waded into its salty, cool embrace. The waves were particularly rough today, but I paid no mind.

I paddled out past the break and turn onto my back, absorbing the final rays that would carry me through the cold winter to come. Eyes closed, I allowed the gentle current to rock me back and forth. I could no longer hear my mother.

A wave crashed close by and the surf sprayed up against my cheeks. I opened my eyes, and extended my feet below, reaching for solid ground. The water was too deep. I had drifted, and I was far from shore.

Now, I was the one calling frantically for my family. I was 100 yards from the beach and my feeble attempts to beat the undertow rendered me helpless. I treaded and I treaded as the sun began to dip toward the horizon. I never thought this final sunset could be so final.

My movements had become labored, my breath short. My muscles were drowning in lactic acid, and my body was becoming heavier. The sun had almost set. I was close to giving in.

A horn sounded behind me. Piercing and shrill. A nearby boat must’ve spotted me. A young man tossed me a line, and using the rest of my remaining strength, I pulled myself aboard. I was saved. For now…

My mother was overcome with grief when I arrived back on shore. Her eyes red and puffy from tears. Still, her resentful glare pierced through. She pulled me into her arms with such force I thought my lungs may collapse. Better her than the ocean I thought. As I boarded the caravan, I realized we would never return. I bid the ocean farewell. My final swim.