Breaking the Surface

Stiff joints. Then a slow breath. I stayed dead still, taking in the rough stone underneath me. Below, a patch of calm water mirrored my yellow suit and cowl. I clenched my right fist, testing the tension in my forearm, then leaned forward. Reached down and tapped the water's surface with one blue-gloved knuckle. Ripples spread out, shattering my reflection into trembling golden rings. The cold shock felt real. I straightened back up on the boulder, resting both hands on my knees. I'm awake. And I'm ready.