Down+at+the+River

Nick Christians ELA 3/4B November 17th Down at the River By Nick Christians “It’s awfully cold today” called Phillip, his words muffled by the roaring rapids. “Good to know” I called back. I could see Phillip with the water at his chest and his teeth chattering. I slowly waded into the cold, dark water. This might be the last chance we have to swim here because Phillip and I are headed off to college come fall. It seems like only yesterday when we would splash around in these waters when we were kids. We were both strong swimmers for I was a big strong boy and Phillip was a small short little kid. I could see the leaves on the trees that were already changing color and thought to myself that is one of my favorite places to be and I’ll miss it when I leave. I was now fully in the water and Phillip was just swimming having a good time. I thought it would be fun to have a race as friendly competition so I yelled to Phillip,“Hey Phillip want to race from the bank on this side to the bank on that side?” So Phillip accepted the challenge and we both got situated in racing position. Then he counted off “ready, set, go” and we were off. I took a big breath and swam. Phillip was already behind me and then suddenly he was ahead of me. I couldn’t figure out what just happened but I didn’t care. All I knew was that I was behind so I kicked even harder and we were neck and neck. So then I swam even faster and didn’t look back. When I finally reached the bank I took a big breath of air and sighed. When I looked back I was shocked I couldn’t see Phillip anywhere so I waited figuring he was still underwater. Then I heard a muffled scream for help! I saw Phillip being carried away by the current. I took no time to waist, as I quickly got out ran down stream and jumped in to where I saw his arms flailing in the air. Phillip was nowhere to be seen. I figured he must have gotten forced underwater. So I took a deep breath and went under feeling for any sign of Phillip. I was searching for at least minute when I was about to be out of breath. I knew if I went back up for air he would be gone so I took one final reach and then I felt it an arm! I grabbed on quickly and shot straight up. I dragged Phillip on to shore and ran back to my cell phone and dialed 911. They picked up fast and arrived there soon after. He was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance and I called his parents to tell them what had happened. Once they got there we went into his room and sat beside his bed explaining what had happened. He was shocked and thankful that he had such a good friend. ​