I heard a splash. Someone had jumped overboard and was swimming towards the shore.

Each time the yacht shifted in the water the waves hit harder and harder. Salt water mixed with the fear in my throat.

Possessions were sliding around the deck. At my feet a teddy bear, a yellow ribbon tied around his neck.

‘Any last words.’ The boy shoved his phone in Anna’s face, filming her despair.

‘Go fuck yourself.’ I knocked the mobile from his hand.

The people who had jumped had the right idea. We were going down fast, too fast.

‘What… what are we going to do?’ Anna could barely speak though her sobs.

‘We’re not far from shore. We can swim,’ I shouted over the alarm.

‘But I can’t—’

‘But I can. I’ve got you.’ There didn’t seem to be any sort of plan. We were closer to the island we had left. I could make it, even with Anna.

I was certain.

‘Come on.’ I scrambled over the railing; the yacht was now at such an acute angle there wasn’t much of a drop. ‘Anna?’ I held out my hand. ‘Jump.’

‘I can’t.’ She placed both hands over her stomach.

It was on me to protect her. My wife. My son or daughter. The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying. The love I felt, primal. I would get us out of this. I would.

‘You can. I’ve got you.’ I wouldn’t let her fall, either of them. I was Samson-strong.

‘I can’t… Adam…’

The alarm beep-beep-beeped in time with my heart, which was now in my mouth. What was I going to do if she refused to jump?

‘Anna, please,’ I said evenly as my feet kicked below the surface, the proverbial swan. I stretched out my arms. ‘Trust me? Please, Star. For me.’

She put one leg over the railing, hesitated.

‘I’m so scared,’ she whispered.

‘I know, but I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.’

Slowly, tentatively, she climbed until she was on the other side of the railing. There was another lurch.

She screamed.

Slipped.

Fell into the water with a loud splash. She disappeared under a wave. I dove beneath the surface and could see her sinking. Deeper and deeper. I swam like I’d never swam before until she was in my arms. They were both in my arms. My wife and child. She struggled. Kicking her legs frantically, dragging us both down again. I broke through the surface. Again and again I fought for us to break free.

‘Anna! Stop struggling!’ I shouted as we burst into sunlight once more. ‘Relax. Relax your body. I promise you, you’re safe. Star. Relax.’ Suddenly she became limp.