Indigo and violet colored clouds streaked across the dusky pink sky as I walked past tank after tank, each filled to the brim with water and swirling with wisps of clouds breaking apart and molding into various creatures of the deep. My fingertips brushed against the surface of the glass, and I felt my whole body tremble, a shiver running down my spine as my reflection gazed back at me. "You seem like something is troubling you," the blonde young man remarked, his eyes glimmering like sapphires in the fading light. I smiled, a whisper of a laugh escaping my lips as I turned to him. "Just remembering a silly little dream I had years ago," I replied, sitting against the glass tank. The young man sat next to me.

"It's clearly troubling you. You seem almost fearful of it." I looked down at my lap, feeling a need to breathe deeper than I usually do, but my chest still felt heavy before I replied again. "It's a stupid fear. Well, stupid to me, at least." The young man's face held an expression of curiosity. "What is it? I'm sure it can't be that silly." I felt nearly breathless as I replied, "...Drowning."

The young man lifted an eyebrow. "How do you think that's a stupid fear for you to have?" I replied, "Because I'm a great swimmer, and I take those dreams as an insult to my pride." There was silence for a moment, but only for a moment. Then, the young man said, "Tell me more." I gazed up at the now star dotted sky as I continued.

"I'm surrounded by people, but none of them want to save me." I closed my eyes and felt the cool breeze ruffling my hair. "It was the first and only time I ever felt completely hopeless. I gave the possible meaning some thought, and at this point, I'm not sure if it's a fear of drowning, or being abandoned." I shrugged my shoulders and laid my chin on my knees. "Maybe it's both, Hell if I know." The young man smiled as he brushed his blonde hair aside.

"Let me give you some advice, Kid." I looked up at him, wondering what he would say. "Ask yourself this: 'Am I drowning because nobody cares enough to come save me, or because I'm reluctant to save myself?'"