It's the release that confuses him enough to stop and Gabe sputters a little. Free of the rip current, the waves push him gently towards the shore, the moon heavy and bright over the low tide. Cautious, confused, Gabe lets himself go vertical and realizes then that his feet just barely push into the sand while his head can tilt back for air.

"What's happening?" he asks. Adrenaline ebbs back just enough that he can use his words because it's true. Aside from that night with Caleb, Gabe can't think of another time when he's ever been so frightened.

Despite his own panic, Gabe realizes suddenly how tranquil the water is.