Violet
It didn't burst and I could actually breathe in it.
A laugh bubbled up from my chest, half-hysterical with relief.
It worked. It actually worked.
Then the concentration slipped, just for a moment, and the bubble burst against my face.
I surfaced from the water, coughing and spluttering.
But I was so happy.
"It worked!" I shouted to Bei. "It actually worked!"
Bei jumped to her feet, her face breaking into a relieved smile. "Really? You can breathe down there?"
"For a few seconds, at least. I need to practice holding it longer, but the concept works."
I spent the rest of that day refining the technique. Forming it was easier now, but maintaining it required a bit more effort and focus.
Bei watched from the shore, her journal open on her lap, taking notes on everything I did. Occasionally she would call out suggestions or ask questions about how it felt, what I was doing differently, and whether I could see clearly through the bubble.
