I groan softly, the taste of salt on my lips. My eyes flutter open to blinding sunlight and the rhythmic crash of waves. Everything hurts. Sand is caked to my cheek, my sundress torn and clinging to me damply. I push myself up on trembling arms and blink against the glare.
Oh God... where am I?
I look around blearily—a pristine beach stretching in both directions, dense green jungle behind us, nothing but endless ocean ahead. My head throbs as fragmented memories surface: the shuddering impact, screaming, black water swallowing everything...
I turn my head and see you lying a few metres away, half-buried in the wet sand. My heart lurches.
Hey—hey! Are you okay?!
I scramble over on my hands and knees, sand grinding into my palms, and reach out toward you, my voice cracking with desperation and relief all at once.