Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

She could not swim!

He knew that she could not.

She had a fear of the deep waters.

He knew why she feared the familiar.

She was more of an anchor, steadfast, strong.

He promised to help her to overcome her anxiety.

She tested the waters, hoping he would be there close.

She felt good, the water felt good. Comfortable. Warm. Safe.

He helped her a while to stay afloat, promising to be there if she needed him.

It felt like bliss, maybe she could trust herself to let go of the floaters she was still attached to?

He took her to the sea...

Played along the sandy shores..

Promised her the vast ocean to immerse herself.

He told her to let go. She did. She felt herself being sucked in.. deeper...

Fear!! She was not ready yet! She cried for help. She stretched her hand out.

And pleaded for help, reached out to him, her eyes screaming louder. Her voice from afar..

He ignored her cries! 

Did he want her to save herself, learn to fend for herself? 

Or did he simply not care? Did he not hear her heartrending pleas?

Drowning,  heart sinking, her tears becoming one with the waters, dying within, her feet like lead, her body limp, sinking slowly to the bottom, Cold..

She felt a light tug, a pull at her heart, a warmth slowly engulfing her, her limbs slowly moving, her face being held in a strong grip, her body being slowly lifted…..

Air… breathing… life surging… slow awakening… feeling… moving…. 

She did not remember how she came to be lying on the shore. 

She felt changed inside, lost, but found!

She saw him, in the distance, a strange look on his face.

Was it happiness to have let go of maybe what he considered his shackles? 

Or was it fear for having lost his anchor?
Or was it guilt?

She walked up to him, she saw him glance her way. Was that a smile? 

Or did he not recognize her? 

He looked lost.  

His hands grazed hers. 

Did he realize she was now a stranger.   

A stranger to her own self.