I plunge into ice-cold water, tumbling and turning. Microscopic bubbles float up against my skin. I stop myself from spinning and open my eyes to look around, but it's so dark that I can't see anything. Which way is up? Which way is down? How did I get here? I turn around in all directions, looking for a sign of life...or even light. Where am I? My eyes burn from either chlorine or salt, and who makes a swimming pool this deep? I conclude that I'm probably in the ocean.

I recall the swimming class from Phys Ed the year before, and think of my grumpy instructor. Yuuma! Can't you possibly hold your breath for more than half a minute?!
Yep, those were the days. Unfortunately for me, I probably only have 20 seconds left, so I have to figure out where up is...
Come on, Chieko! Think! These stupid bubbles keep running up my arms and neck – can't they stop?
That's it, bubbles!
I observe a large one tear away from me diagonally, and I position myself in its direction, and start swimming for dear life.
15 seconds, maybe.
The frigid water is making my hands and feet go numb. Shit, not now! I kick harder and faster than ever before.
10...
I see sunbeams piercing the surface ahead. Not long to go now.
5...
Kick faster, dammit!
The sun burns my eyes as I swim directly into a beam. The water around me warms a little and starts thawing my poor hands out.
3...
2...
Finally, finally my hand touches air...
1.
I break the surface.