Dead if You Don’t

104

Sunday 13 August

17.00–18.00

The incoming tide had risen up to his chin. Mungo desperately trod water to avoid the wire cutting into his neck. His ears were filled with the roar of the sea. A sudden surge sent water breaking over his head and he took some in, accidentally, through his nostrils, sending a searing pain through his head.

He whimpered. Help. Help. Help me.

It had been a long while since his feet had touched the ledge. He was kicking with his legs, desperately trying to keep his head above the water. He was tiring. Close to exhaustion. Kicking, kicking, kicking.

The water was rising.

Rising towards the vaulted, slime-covered ceiling.

Before it reached it, he would be totally submerged.

‘Owwwwwwwwww!’ His cry, as the wire suddenly bit into his neck, was muffled by the duct tape over his mouth.

I’m going to die.