Escape (Part 3)

As the burning in my lungs intensified, I started kicking my legs, trying to increase my speed and attempt to breach the surface. My cheeks began caving in as my lungs attempted to draw more air while my mouth remained closed. My chest was on fire and my throat strained. I could see the surface of the water; the stars were hanging in the precious air I desperately needed. A blast of cold air hit my face. Air? My mouth sprang open and my lungs filled to capacity. My body relaxed as I drew in the evening air. Sweet oxygen.