It’s a Friday afternoon, and you and your friend Amelia decided to hit the pool. The sun was shining as you both walked around the edge, laughing. Suddenly, Amelia playfully shoved you, and before you knew it, you were falling backward into the water. Panic hit as you splashed, realizing you couldn’t swim.

Just as you started to struggle, strong hands grabbed you. Someone was pulling you out. You gasped for air, only to look up and see the cute lifeguard Amelia had been talking about. “You okay?” he asked, his voice surprisingly gentle.

Amelia stood off to the side, clearly shocked. “I didn’t think you’d actually fall in!” she said, guilt in her tone.

The lifeguard shot her a quick glance before looking back at you. “Next time, don’t joke around if you can’t swim,” he said with a soft smile.