The water was deep, but not too deep. It was shallow enough that if one was to try to dive, they would most likely hit their head. However, it was by no means a kiddie pool.  Indeed, to one who had just turned twelve, it was like the Atlantic ocean, turbulent and unforgiving. This young teen didn't want to jump in, didn't want to imagine the freezing cold, the disgusting coating feeling of the water covering her body. But the frizzy-haired girl knew that it was now or never. Embrace the soaking water, in all of its supposed depth, or never face anything again. It was a strange choice,and yet one of utmost importance. She could feel eyes on her back. They were far away, but they were there. And they were approaching, getting closer. The frizzy haired girl, clothed in a summer dress and a winter coat, took a breath. Closed her eyes. And as she hesitated, she remembered a time, not so long ago, when her friends had tried to get her to swim in the lake with them. She had adamantly told them no; she didn't know how to swim and she didn't particularly care to try. Oh, how things changed. The frizzy haired girl shook herself out of her reverie, and began to count down from ten.

Ten

Nine

She could smell the smoke now; it was strong and unpleasant. It wasn't just wood burning.

Eight

Seven

A cacophony of sounds erupted. Or maybe they've been there all along, and she'd only just noticed.

Six

Five

The eyes were closer, menacing and malicious.

Four

Three

Don't think about the past. It will only make this worse.

Two

One.

               Water flew into the air as the frizzy haired girl jumped in. Immediately, the cold hit. The water was mind-numbingly freezing, and sent the girl into a sort of shock. She clumsily moved her limbs, but to no avail. Even if she had known how to swim, it wouldn't have mattered. Her body was in shock, her limbs like lead, and her clothes soaked in a way that dragged her down even further. After a couple of several adrenaline-filled seconds, she stopped. She stopped moving and caring altogether. She didn't want to die, but a death in the serene lake was better than what awaited her above it. Although she had been afraid of water her entire life, in the moments before her death, she only just started to appreciate the beauty of it. The way the light sparkles in it, the way bubbles drifted to the surface, and especially the way all sounds were muffled. It was a funny thing, but nevertheless a good one. After all, what was life if you couldn't enjoy it to the very end? The frizzy haired girl gave one last smile as she sunk in the depths, glad to be surrounded by something so beautiful, instead of the hell that had become of her hometown.