Drowning Lessons

Calico Jack is confident in all of his skills; from fighting to swimming, there is nothing that the boy feels he cannot do. Yet, as his strong forelegs wrap around Rivin’s still form and he kicks out, propelling them both toward the surface and air, the calico wolf finds that he is afraid. Heart thunders in his breast as he pulls her free from the chilly water’s grasp, sucking air into his lungs as he reclines back and to help prop her up, trying and failing to rouse some sort of response from her.

Fear squeezes his stomach, rolls in waves through his brain as he thinks he is too late and tears begin to sting his eyes as regret to stabs at his heart. How could this have happened? Time stands still as he bobs above the waterline, holding Rivin close to him as Jack allows the fear to completely consume him. Chest shudders as a soft sob rolls out into the air and then, in the momentary stillness, Rivin’s body jolts as her lungs reflexively attempt to pull in the air that had been absent mere seconds before and the boy’s eyes widen as his hold loosens slightly.

Rivin coughs and hacks, bringing up water and stomach contents until her airway is clear. He is there, gently rubbing circles into her side as he tips her head to the side to allow the all the stuff to be expelled into the water. Softly he reassures her, voice filled with relief as he says, “That’s it Rivin. Just keep breathing. You got this.” It is a mantra that he keeps repeating for her sake and his own. A whine escapes from her, his name on her lips and Calico Jack leans in to place a tender kiss upon her brow. Gently, he says, “It’s me, Little Flame. Rest. I will take care of you now.”

The relieved smile on her lips has him leaning in once more to gently run his tongue over her cheek. Blood seeps from her into the salty water and Jack knows that he needs to get her home quickly so that the healers can help. Slowly, carefully, still holding tightly onto Rivin, the boy begins to paddle them back to safety of the shoreline.


"Calico Jack"