I had the shell in my hand. The tide was choppy, and I had to kick really hard to get back to the reef. I was getting tired. But I wanted to give mom the sea urchin shell she’d love it.

I looked into the rocks and saw the eel. It was huge, and it was looking right at me. I sucked in my breath, drawing salty water into my lungs. Choking and sputtering I tried to swim, but I couldn’t move.

Next thing I knew I was coughing up water on the beach, and Nathan was leaning over me.