The morning SWIM

It was a fun festive tradition – but would Holly ever enjoy it again?

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Sitting on the beach in her wetsuit, Holly willed herself to go into the water. She and Richard had been all-year-round swimmers. This was their favourite spot. She thought they would swim here when they were old. But after what had happened, she was too scared.

Tears pricked Holly's eyes. After three years, the pain was as sharp as ever. Life just wasn't the same without Richard. Christmas was the worst, when everyone else seemed to be with someone special.

Looking around, she wondered if she should change and go home. Then suddenly... What was that? Far out by the buoys. It looked like a surfer was in trouble by Danger Rock, renowned for its rip tide.

Without time to think, Holly plunged in. As she battled the waves, she heard Richard in her head... 'I'm with you.'

As she drew nearer, she could hear a man shouting, 'Help, help!'

'I'm a lifeguard!' she yelled. 'It's all right. Just do what I say.' Remembering her training, Holly managed to get the stranger back to shore.

'Thank you,' he gasped, panting on the shingle.

'You could have drowned in that part of the water!' she said crossly. 'Didn't you read the warning signs?'

'No,' he replied, sounding rather embarrassed.

'Did you swallow any water?'

'I don't think so.'

'You look cold. Here. I've got a flask of soup. Take small sips at first.'

'Thank you.'

'Now what you need is a warm bath, but not too hot. Do you live near here?'

'I'm on holiday in a B&B.'

'I'll walk you back,' she said.

'I'm fine. Really.'

'Well, OK,' she replied.

Happy that the man was all right, she decided to head home. As she got on her bike, she heard Richard again in her head. 'You saved a life. And conquered your fear of going back into the sea. I'm proud of you.'

When Holly got home, she realised she must have dropped one of her swimming shoes. How annoying! They were new and hadn't been cheap.