Salty water

Jaden slipped under the water, gasping in panic and splashing water with his arms. He couldn't scream anymore because the water was running in his mouth and nose, and he couldn't keep his eyes open because the salt burnt them.

It was frightening, dark, and painful, but it lasted only a second. It seemed like an eternity for the poor boy, but a pair of strong arms caught him.

Nate got him out of the water, and he patted his back while the boy coughed the water out from his throat.

«Hey, hey, I'm here,» he whispered, pressing the boy on his chest and rubbing his back with light motions. «It's okay now; you're safe.»

Jaden stopped coughing after a few minutes, and he opened his eyes to look at Nate. He started first sobbing and then crying out loud.

His fear and worries flew out as he surrounded the man's neck with his short arms and sank his head there, letting Nate comfort him from the trauma.