The gap widened, and while Anise's vision was growing darker, she could see Guy's hand reaching for her. Her head was getting fuzzy, but she was able to push herself forward and reach her arm out in return. Her reach was clumsy and slow, and it took an extra second to find his hand and grab hold of it. Despite all the pain and terror she was feeling, that moment of contact brought immense relief.

As their hands touched, however, the reflex Anise had been fighting for so long finally overcame her, and she involuntarily took in a mouthful of water. Now she really was choking. The pain was unbearable, but she didn't even have to the strength to do anything about it. All she could do was weakly focus on her one lifeline.

Her grip was weak, but she held on to the extended arm with all the strength she could still muster, knowing it was her only way to safety. Guy would get her out. She had to trust in that.