Us Vs. The River

“Are you sure this is a good idea?”

Callie, my friend, looked over her shoulder as she held her orange, two-seater kayak by the river shore.

She stood, “Don’t worry, Sara. I’ve done this dozens of times.”

I sighed as I watched the river rage on, my life jacket snug against my chest.

This would be my first time kayaking in a river. And despite the months of practice I had at the lake, I felt my heart pound against my sternum, the paddles shaking in my grip.

But I trusted Callie with anything outdoor-related, and she hadn’t steered me wrong so far.

I nodded, “Okay, I’m ready.”

“That’s the spirit!”

Smiling, I assisted in lowering the kayak so we could get in and go down the river.

I climbed in first while Callie held the kayak steady. I immediately felt the coldness of the water seeping through the material as she handed me my paddle and got in herself.

“Okay, Sara, push us away from the river shore.”

Nodding, I used the end of my paddle and managed to push us far enough so we could float into the middle of the river.

This was either going to be a fantastic day or a horrible day.

***

It’d been a while since we began kayaking down the river, and so far, it was going okay. I was acclimating to moving my paddle and following Callie’s lead.

I wished I had my professional-grade camera, though.

The scenery was beautiful, with all the trees, mountains, and wildlife peppered around. And I knew I could’ve sold a few pictures to my online clients.

Perhaps if I returned, I’d bring it with me.

Heading into a calm spot, I reached my hand down and touched the water. It was cool and smooth against my fingertips.

I couldn’t help but smile as birds flew overhead.

“Glad I made you do this?” Callie turned her turned to look at me.

“Yes, yes, I am.” I brought my hand out of the water. “Wish I had my camera, though.”

She laughed. “Well, get ready for some rougher currents.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Good.”

***

As Callie promised, the currents were more choppy farther down the river but manageable at the same time.

I kept in time with her paddle strokes to ensure a smooth ride along the chilly water and minimal risk of being knocked over.

“You doing okay, Sara?”

“Yeah, better than I thought I would.”

Callie chuckled. “Well, good, because I’m about to test you.”

My eyes widened as I saw the ravenous rapids ahead of us. “I don’t know if I’m ready for that.”

“Just follow my lead, and you’ll be fine.”

I swallowed as she led us forward.

The water kept getting choppier, and I struggled to help Callie paddle through the rapids.

Water kept splashing and hitting me, sending shivers down my spine and raising goosebumps on my covered skin.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” I shouted over the roaring might of the river.

Callie laughed. “You’re such a worry— ”

But suddenly, we hit a current, and while she tried keeping us upright, it was too strong and flipped us into the water.

My muscles froze upon contact with the water and would not move, my hands glued to the paddle.

Callie managed to right us, but we quickly hit another current. And this time, I was yanked from the kayak.

Luckily, my life jacket carried me to the surface, and I was able to breathe as I floated down to a calm part of the river.

But neither Callie nor her kayak were in sight.

***

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