Bottom Of The Lake

• Ella Schwarz
• Short Story
• 2018

I kicked my heart out under the freezing cold, icy water for what felt like an eternity. I was certain my life ended then and there because I could hear nothing but an eerie silence.

I was awoken by a squawking bird by the lake. I thought I was dead. I sat up and looked at my reflection in the water edge, realising I couldn’t see myself. What is going on? No reflection, transparent-looking skin. Now it’s starting to make sense. I could smell the place of my death, a reeking lake with the pong of dead fish. I thought of my beloved wife and knew I had to find her. The silence was disturbed by a feint beeping. I looked down at my bare wrist and horror washed over me. The watch my wife gave me is at the bottom of the lake.

I made my way to a boat to get to the other side of the lake. As I glided across the water I watched a huge fish swim toward the boat and try to take a bite from the hull. I panicked, trying to make my arms move faster but the oars unexpectedly hit a large rock and snapped in two. Luckily, I had made it to the edge of the lake and I climbed out of the boat to catch my breath.

I weaved my way from the lake up the overgrown path to my house. Memories came flooding back of sleepless nights spent with my wife in the old, rundown cabin. I was surprised to find the air felt misty and noticed muddy footprints leading to the front door. A shiver ran up my spine. I kept walking, trying not to look up until I reached the door. I hated that house, I always had.

I need to face my fear. I need to go inside. I know Beth would be proud of me. I took a deep breath to settle my nerves, opened the door, and anxiously looked around. I walked into the lounge room and immediately saw her piercing, ocean blue eyes staring out the window.

I stared, watching her mutter words under her breath I couldn’t quite make out. Before I had the chance to say anything she said, almost to herself “I have to ask for a divorce. It’s Jack I love, he’s the one I want to be with”.
“WHAT?” I shrieked, completely blind sighted.
She looked around in confusion, seemingly oblivious to the fact I was standing in the hall in front of her.
“Jack darling, is that you?
JACK? My brother? This isn’t happening. This can’t be true!

Without a moment’s thought I swiftly pulled my pocket knife from the pocket of my jeans. “I love you more than anything, but you don’t love me”. I lunged towards her and speared the knife into her chest. She screamed louder than a lion’s roar.

“I’m so sorry” I whispered, watching her fall lifelessly to the ground as bright red blood streamed from her body.

If I can’t have her, no one will.