Do you actually think David is still alive?

Maya asked, as I strapped on a fresh tank of trimics gas, though slightly heavier,

it would allow us to reach for greater depths within the caves without running the risk

of nitrogen arcoses.

Not a lot of time has passed since our quick ascent back to the surface, and though it

hardly suffice for a second dive, we didn't have time to waste.

I'm sorry, Maya, but I don't think so.

I said, I saw him get taken.

By what?

There was something else down there in the water.

I couldn't tell you what it was, and I'm not sure I even want the answer to that question.

Maya turned to Andrew for confirmation.

He strapped some tape around his knee, which ached after the rapid ascent.

He was even strapping on our conversation.

He noticed Maya's trepidation and returning to the depths, worried more of us might perish in the

effort. It'll be fine, he said, with an odd sense of confidence.

I wouldn't ask you to do this unless I truly believed David was alive.

Just let me go first.

If something goes wrong down there, just turn back and leave.

Don't risk your life on my count.

Though the words felt genuine, they weren't directed at me.

There was still a prominent sense of resentment hanging in the air between the two of us,

...