Saved by the River Stranger

“I followed something impossible by a river… and it almost cost me my life.”My parents left for

the store, and I was alone near our campsite.There was a huge river nearby—fast,

wide, and way deeper than it looked.That’s when I saw something in the water… or

maybe above it.It had no shape. No color. The more I stared, the less it made

sense.I walked closer. I wanted a picture. I wanted proof.I stepped too far.I fell into the river.

The water was freezing. The current dragged me under.I could swim… but I couldn’t get my head up.

I was sinking.Then I felt a hand grab my arm.I woke up on the riverbank—and saw someone in red

running into the trees.We still camp there every year… and I’ve never told my parents.