The Dive Signal They Misread

In my past life, I desperately tried to stop my boyfriend, Ryan, and his childhood friend, Chloe, from attempting a perilous extreme cave dive.

But Chloe wouldn't listen. She dove down, touched the bottom, and got stuck in the silt.

To save her, Ryan pushed me into the mud with his own hands, so Chloe could use me as a stepping stone to escape.

"Christiana, don't be so selfish. Chloe is scared; save her first. You're a professional diving instructor, I know you'll be fine."

He took Chloe's hand and swam to the surface without looking back.

And I died in that murky silt.