Embrace

Warmth, salty and surrounding. He instinctually tries to kick, but something holds him still and he settles in the darkness.

Arms enfold him in an embrace he hasn't felt in almost thirty years. "Mom," he murmurs joyfully, and she hugs him tighter.

Movement nearby, a jerking at his body attempting to dislodge him. Something touches his ankle, and then he feels almost weightless.

"My baby," she says back, tears on her cheeks. He can't remember ever seeing his mother cry, and it seems almost wrong. He feels ecstatic and sad and loved, all at once.

His head breaks the surface into the air, but can't breathe. Something touches his mouth, his nose, and a heavy weight settles on his chest.

"What's wrong, Mom?" he asks, reveling in the feel of her hands stroking his back. She seems so short...how can he tower over her like this?

The weight appears and disappears, the pressure on his face resumes. "Come on, breathe!" a voice demands. "Breathe, dammit!"

She pulls away slightly, caressing his cheek with her slender fingers. "Sweetie, you have to go back. You don't belong here yet." He opens his mouth to protest, and she places a finger on his lips. "Don't worry. We'll wait for you."

He convulses and feels the world go topsy-turvy as he chokes and coughs, expelling fluid from his lungs. His eyes open for what seems to be the first time, and sees a blond-haired woman leaning over him. She looks worried, and she's soaking wet. What...?

"Wait, Mom! Please!"

"Oh thank God! Daniel, are you okay?"

He reaches out, but she's gone again.