Snapshot

by Kay Cove

“Señor Hessler,” he says when he’s wrapped up his conversation. “Great news. We got a report from a few divers just coming up. There are at least two sharks down there.” Shark. My stomach flips as the dread washes over me. Dex’s eyes widen and he shakes his head fervently at the boat captain. He unsubtly nods his head toward me. “Some of us are a little skittish around big marine life.” “Well, this was an almost fun dive trip,” I say, flashing Dex a disingenuous smile. I start unbuckling my equipment. “What should we do for lunch? I’m craving shrimp tacos.” “Lennox, we’re all the way out here. It’s beautiful dive conditions and nurse sharks are bottom feeders. They are harmless unless you swim right up and punch one in the gills. I promise it’s okay.” “Oh no, no, no, buddy. Don’t even think about it. I’m not going anywhere near a shark.” “They’re basically sea puppies,” Dex says. “Sweet and peaceful.” “And they’re vegetarian!” the boat captain adds with a chuckle. “Not helpful,” I say, unimpressed with his sarcastic joke. “There are big sea turtles down there. Rays too. So many big, colorful fish. Stunning coral in kaleidoscope colors. It’s breathtaking, Len. Don’t you want to see?” I pucker my bottom lip and nod. “A little. But I can’t do sharks. Any kind of shark.” Dex stands in front of me, refastening my vest one buckle at a time. “You helped me face my fear. Let me help you face yours. Do you trust me?” “I do, Dex. But I’m scared.” “I know. But I’ll be right there wit...