Soon, Roxanne donned her diving suit and gear as instructed by diving instructor Lucian. His gaze darkened slightly as he watched the instructor guide Roxanne toward the water. He felt inexplicably nervous. "Mommy!" the children cried out, echoing his unease.
Roxanne smiled, heard their voices, raised her head, gave an “okay” gesture to the instructor, and prepared to dive. Both held their breaths and plunged into the sea. From the yacht, only rising bubbles marked their descent.
The children exchanged worried glances, regretting perhaps having let Roxanne participate. "Mr. Farwell, will Mommy be in danger?" Benny asked anxiously, looking to Lucian.
Lucian, suppressing his own apprehension, patted Benny's head. "She won't. The instructors here are incredible. They'll take good care of your mommy." However, his eyes remained fixed on the spot where Roxanne disappeared.
Sensing their unease, a yacht staff member reassured them, "Nothing will happen. We've had countless divers over the years without incident." The children nodded dubiously, continuing their anxious wait.
Meanwhile, the instructor guided Roxanne deeper. Initially, he held her arm tightly, fearing the worst. To his surprise, however, Roxanne displayed a surprising ease and skill, far beyond that of a novice. He gradually released his grip.
A breathtaking underwater scene unfolded before Roxanne. Vibrant coral and fish swam amongst the sunlight-dappled water, creating a mesmerizing display. She reached out, and a tiny fish circled her finger.
The instructor, astonished by this interaction, quickly photographed the scene. The pictures depicted Roxanne as a graceful mermaid, peacefully interacting with the marine life.
Back on the yacht, worry mounted as time passed. "Mommy!" Benny cried out, his voice filled with anxiety. Estella, gripping the railing, looked at Lucian. "Daddy, why isn't Ms. Jarvis back?"
Lucian's gaze darkened, but he remained calm. "She'll be back soon. Don't worry," he said, checking his phone. Roxanne and the instructor had been underwater for nearly ten minutes. This length of time, Lucian realized, was unusual even for a seasoned diver, let alone a beginner. Suspicion flickered in his mind. Had an accident occurred? His worry deepened.
After an indeterminate time, the other staff members began to panic at their continued absence. "I'm going down to take a look," one diving instructor announced, grabbing his gear. Just as he prepared to dive, sudden movement broke the surface of the water. Moments later, Roxanne and the instructor emerged, smiles on their faces.