I wasn’t exactly sure what I was doing at the beach. Benny had promised me this would be fun, but staring at the vast ocean, the waves crashing against the shore, all I felt was dread.

"Come on, it'll be fine," Benny called, already splashing into the water. He was always so carefree, so confident. It made me feel like I was in the wrong place.

"Are you sure about this?" I asked, voice shaky. The last time I’d been near water, it hadn’t ended well.

"Trust me," he said, flashing that easy grin of his. "You’re in good hands."

He waded back toward me, taking my hand in his. "Just let go," he encouraged, giving me that smile like he knew I’d be fine. "I’ve got you."

I tried to relax as he guided me into the water, keeping his grip on my waist. His calm presence reassured me, and slowly, I felt myself adjusting to the rhythm of the waves. Benny’s laughter was infectious, and soon, I was laughing too.

But then the water deepened, the waves grew stronger, and I felt my footing slip. Panic flooded my chest as I was suddenly pulled under, the water swallowing me whole.

I flailed, gasping for air, my vision blurring. I could feel the pressure of the ocean around me, dragging me down, but then... Benny’s hand was there.

Strong arms pulled me up from the depths, his voice calm as he shouted, "I’ve got you. Hold on."

I was breathless, still panicked, but his hands steadied me. "You’re okay," Benny said, holding me close to him in the water. His voice was gentle, almost a whisper against the roar of the ocean. "You’re safe now."