AT THE BEACH
How much spit is in the ocean? Blair wonders this as he wades out, clutching his snorkel and mask in one hand, GoPro camera in the other.
The water is icy but for ages it’s only knee-deep and almost glassy, no waves. He sloshes further out into the blue. The chill of the water climbs his legs and creeps over his hips, and he feels every drop.
Only when he’s waist-deep does he spit into his mask. He juggles the camera under one arm as he pushes bubbling saliva across the inside of his visor, just like the instructor told them. It’s slimy and squeaky at the same time, and it’s gross, even though it’s his own spit.
Around him, other kids rinse their snorkel masks too.
‘Kick gently,’ the instructor reminds them. ‘Breathe slowly and mindfully. Stay aware of your
surroundings, but most importantly, relax.’
Because it’s so super-simple to be gentle and slow and mindful and aware and relaxed, all at the same time, and especially when your skin is rippling with goosebumps and you’re about to dive into an ocean of other people’s spit. Blair tries to catch Drew’s attention, so he can make a rolling-eye face.
Drew is already wearing her mask. She jams in her snorkel, then arcs her arms and dives forward, so she’s soon floating on the surface of the water. Blair shivers. He needs to dive in. Now. Drew is a year older and Blair will be older too if he doesn’t go soon.
It’s not their first time snorkelling, but it’s their first time snorkelling here, without their parents, on an actual wreck.
his excerpt from “Into the Blue” by Cristy Burne invites readers on an immersive journey into the underwater world through the eyes of Blair. As he stands at the water’s edge, contemplating the mysteries beneath the surface, the author beautifully captures his mix of excitement and trepidation.
The vivid imagery pulls us into Blair’s world, from the icy chill of the water to the slimy yet necessary act of preparing his snorkel mask. Burne’s attention to detail allows readers to feel the anticipation building alongside Blair as he prepares to embark on an adventure, surrounded by fellow explorers and under the guidance on https://kingessays.com/capstone-project-writing-service/ of their instructor.
Through Blair’s perspective, we’re reminded of the blend of nerves and exhilaration that comes with stepping into the unknown. Whether it’s the playful banter with his friend Drew or the nervous energy of trying something new, readers can easily relate to the mix of emotions swirling within Blair.
With its engaging prose and relatable characters, this excerpt sets the stage for an exciting underwater exploration, promising readers a thrilling journey beneath the waves.