"Let's weigh anchor," Diana panted, "and take a breather, shall we?" Her teacher forced her to swim around coral obstacles for hours.
Merea chuckled softly at Diana's weary protest, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, but perseverance is the key to progress, my dear. You wanted to make up for the missed class yesterday, didn't you?"
Diana managed a weak nod, her chest heaving as she lay partially obscured by the swaying sea grass. "I know," she admitted, her voice breathless with exhaustion.
"You've done well, Diana. Your technique has gotten much better," She swam and then sat beside the child, stroking her hair comfortingly. "Perfecting control takes time and effort. Remember, every stroke you take brings you one step closer to your goal."
Diana managed a small smile, her fatigu
