They rise higher and higher until they breach the surface, popping and releasing nothing. The surface ripples lightly above with rays of light casting down into the depths, so close. The warmth caresses my cold skin a cruel reminder of just how close I am. So close.

It's so quiet yet so loud. The hammering of my blood within my ears yet the soft shifting ambiance of the ocean around me; the soft hum that dares to coax me into a false state of calm while I watch the bubbles of air finally slip from my lips. My fingers are cold and stiff.

I can see the surface; the way rays of sunlight pierce through that steady rippling surface. Not a single soul would know the struggle going on beneath the surface. How desperately I fight against the iron shackles locked around my ankles, pulling me further into the depths.

I mean to be fair, my cat screams at me when she wants into my bedroom; it took me forever to figure that one out.