The City Of Astan

Sam

I swallow, my eyes following the fin, "Are you going to get help?" I ask, glancing back down at him.

Louis

I drench my hand in her blood and swallow, hoping to cause enough of a scent for the shark to follow me.

"No," I look Sam in the eyes, "You are."

I dunk under and swim away before she can respond.

Sam

How? I can't swim!

The shark changes direction and slowly follows Louis, staying behind him but for some reason not attacking. I hesitantly slide in again, trying to swim to shore, but realize more of my blood is leaking into the water. The shark turns in my direction before getting confused. It swims out and away before coming back, slowly. I swim to shore and feel something bite me... In the stomach. I freeze, glancing down to see a second shark. I scream and it pulls me under, letting me go after a while. I swim back up and pull myself back onto shore, trying to even my breathing, my ribs hurting.

Louis

No!

I hurry to Sam and barely avoid the sharks, gently pulling her further ashore.

"God, Sam..." I trail off, looking at all her wounds, "You're going to be okay. Just hang in there. I'm going to call for help. Just hold on."

Sam

I see all the blood and close my eyes, my breathing heavy. I bring a shaky hand atop my torso and nod, "Please...do that."

Louis

"Deep breaths," I order, kissing her forehead before standing and bolting towards the nearest person or payphone.

Sam

Anxiety takes over and I keep my eyes closed, and stay calm, my clothes drenched in my own blood. He takes off and I want to say I don't want him to go, and that I need someone. I decide otherwise and I do as he says, finding it harder to breathe with each breath.

Louis

I find someone and ask them to call the cops, directing them to the spot where Sam is. After the call, I run back to Sam and take her hand, "It's okay, Sam. You'll be fine. They're coming. Just hold on for me, okay?"

Sam

I nod and squeeze his hand, "I-I'm hurting," I whisper, eyes still closed.

Louis

I nod and set my other hand on her forehead, "I know. It'll be okay soon. I promise. Just hold on for me."

Sam

I nod slowly, taking deep breaths, and move one of my hands to my stomach shakily.

Louis

I swallow and watch her move her hand, hearing the sirens, "Just a few more minutes."

Sam

I don't say anything in response, not finding the words to say. I find the waves soothing...but then feel the sticky-ness on my clothes. I wince and shift where I lie, sighing.

Louis

I stay close, the ambulance arriving, and hold her hand the whole time, desperate to keep my promise.

Sam

The ambulance comes and I open my eyes, looking at Louis once they put me in, "S-Stay," I whisper, "Please."