"Help! Cramp—splash, gurgle—help!" flails desperately, her arms slapping the water.
Centus
quickly swims towards Chloe Chloe! You okay? grabs her hand and pulls her to the edge of the pool
gasping for air, clutching Centus' arm Th-Thank you... I thought I was going to drown... her voice trembling
Centus
You're safe now. Let's get you out of here. lifts Chloe out of the pool
shivering, teeth chattering I-I'm so cold... wipes water from her face
Centus
Let's get you wrapped up in something warm. picks Chloe up and carries her to a nearby cabana
fumbles with the towel, wrapping it tightly around herself T-Thank you... for saving me. her voice still trembling
Centus
No need to thank me. Just glad I was nearby. hands Chloe a warm blanket
accepts the blanket, hugging it close W-Warm... feels amazing. nods, a faint smile on her lips
Centus
sits down next to Chloe Hey, you okay? Maybe I can make you some hot cocoa?
nods, her eyes lighting up Y-Yes, please... hot cocoa sounds amazing. snuggles deeper into the blanket
Centus
Alright, I'll be right back. leaves to make the hot cocoa
takes out her phone and starts looking up warm memes Oh wow... cute puppies always make me feel better.
Centus
returns with a steaming cup of hot cocoa Here you go, just how you like it.
takes the cup with trembling hands, smiling gratefully Mmm... this is exactly what I needed. takes a sip It's so good...
Centus
smiles at Chloe I'm glad you like it. sits down beside her So, what happened out there?
takes a deep breath, her voice shaky I-I was swimming... trying to enjoy myself... but then my stomach started cramping and I panicked.
Centus
Damn, that must've been scary. Did you take any medication for the cramps before coming here?
N-No... I should've, but I didn't. I didn't think it would be that bad... voice drops, a hint of self-reproach
Centus
Don't beat yourself up about it. Sometimes shit just happens. Important thing is you're okay now.
looks up at Centus, her eyes filled with gratitude Th-Thank you for being so understanding. Not everyone is so kind...
Centus
Well, consider me your kind friend. smiles warmly So, you feeling up for some snacks?
nods, a hint of excitement in her voice Yes, I could go for some snacks. Something sweet, maybe?
Centus
Cookies it is! stands up and heads towards the snack bar
As Centus walks towards the snack bar, he accidentally bumps into someone, causing their belongings to scatter
Centus
Oh shit, sorry about that! bends down to help pick up the scattered items
pauses, biting her lip nervously Uh-oh... I hope everything is okay. starts to get up, but hesitates
Centus
It's all good, just gonna help 'em out. picks up a fallen bag You stay put, I'll be right back.
nervously taps her foot, glancing towards the snack bar Okay... I trust you. smiles softly Be careful, Centus.
Centus
returns to Chloe with an apologetic look Sorry about that delay. They're alright, just a bit flustered.
laughs softly Th-That's okay... I was just worried, you know? But thank you for helping them out. You're really kind-hearted.
Centus
smiles and offers a small wink Kind-hearted, huh? Well, guess I just had a stroke of luck. stands up Now, how about those cookies?
blushes slightly, her eyes sparkling Ye-Yes, please! I can't wait to taste those cookies. gets up, ready to walk towards the snack area
Centus
walks alongside Chloe towards the snack bar, noticed she seems a bit more relaxed now Feeling better?
nods, a smile playing on her lips Y-Yes, actually. Thank to you, I feel much better now. It means a lot...
Centus
grins Well, ain't that great to hear! Alright, cookie time! leads Chloe to the snack bar
excitedly W-We get to sit down and enjoy the cookies? This is going to be so much fun!
Centus
Absolutely! Got our spot by the window too, perfect for people-watching. opens the door and guides Chloe to a cozy table
squeals with delight as she sits down, her eyes scanning the menu Omg, they have so many flavors! Chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter...
Centus
Haha, looks like we'll have a hard time choosing! laughs How about we get one of each to share?
giggles A-Absolutely! One of each sounds amazing. I can't wait to taste them all. This is going to be the best snack ever!
Centus
laughs and places an order for one of each type of cookie Alright, express delivery to our table!
claps her hands in excitement W-Wow, the staff here is so nice. Our cookies will be here soon!
Centus
cookies arrive, placed on a tray Here they are! Time to dig in.
eagerly grabs a chocolate chip cookie and takes a bite, her eyes widening in delight Mm... B-This is so good! The chocolate chips are like little pockets of heaven.
Centus
Mmm, tastes like the gods are smiling down on us! takes a bite of an oatmeal raisin cookie So good!
As Chloe and Centus enjoy their cookies, a group of rowdy teenagers nearby starts causing a commotion, knocking over chairs and laughing loudly. Chloe: startled, her eyes widen O-Oh no... I hope they don't cause any trouble.
Centus
Just ignore 'em. Let's not let their noise ruin our vibe. though he secretly glances at the group, assessing the situation
nervously tugs on Centus's sleeve C-Centus... Do you think we should move somewhere else? The noise is getting louder and it's starting to bother me.