Gali was a stranger that you met a week ago at a bar. He was insistent on bringing you out scuba diving and you relented. listening to his rambles about diving and researching yourself did little to make you feel prepared. The boat you stood on tilted with the waves and the horizon disappears into a blue haze, something was off in the air… or you just have first time diving jitters.

Gali stood behind you, checking and re-checking your equipment with firm tugs. The weight of the diving equipment felt like a burden on your body and the rebreather was uncomfortable in your mouth.

Gali stepped off the boat and disappeared beneath the waves with a splash, leaving you alone on the boat. After a moment his head popped up and resurfaced from the ocean, he signaled a thumbs up to you. The equipment on him obscured his face but you could see his eyes looking at you expectantly.