“Okay, did you move him or attempt to resuscitate?”
“I tried to push him out of the pool, but I couldn’t. I’ve got him halfway on the stair now. It’s an endless pool with an attached spa. I don’t know CPR.”
“That’s okay. EMT’s will be there soon. Can you tell me the color of your house, and where the pool is on the property?”
“Uh, if they come in the driveway, it’s a tan house, like beige, and if they come in the driveway and park by the fountain, they can just head through the gardens on the right to the back of the house.”
“That’s very helpful, Genevieve, thank you.”
“Will they be able to get in? Should I open the gate?”
“Definitely, if there’s a gate at the entrance, please open it now.”
I rush to the control panel to open the gate remotely, before returning to Harrison. “Oh god,” I cry. “This isn’t good. He was so mad at me, and now. . .”
“Did you have a fight, Genevieve?”
“We did,” I cry. “Over Ty.”
“Who is Ty, is he there?”
Her question takes a moment to sink in.
Why is she asking me about Ty?
“No. He’s my ex, he doesn’t matter. Please wake my husband up.” My breath shortens as my periphery grows dark and blurry. “Oh god, I can’t breathe. This isn’t happening. This can’t be real.”
“Genevieve, did you and your husband have a fight?
“More like a disagreement, it happens sometimes after sex.” I start to hyperventilate.
“Genevieve, listen to my voice. Can you hear me?”
“Yes.” My voice, barely above a whisper.
“We’re going to try some breathing together, okay?”
I nod in response.
“Genevieve, are you still there?”
“I’m here.” I wheeze.
“Let’s take a deep breath in for four. One, two, three, four.”
I breathe as instructed.
“Hold it for four, three, two, one. And exhale. One, two, three, four. Now do it again.”
I obey as if on autopilot. Still, it works. My heart rate slows and my breathing returns to normal. My limbs don’t feel quite so heavy.
“That’s good, Genevieve. Good. Do you want to tell me what happened?”
“I don’t know what happened. I went to sleep last night and now—” I hear footsteps rush at me from behind. A hand grips my upper arm and pulls me to the side as paramedics surround Harrison’s body.
“Are you Genevieve?” a voice asks.
“I am.” I keep waiting for Harrison to wake up and prove this was all a big mistake so everything can just go back to normal.
