The frozen lake cracked beneath his feet as the cold winter air chilled his nostrils and airway.

A shiver ran down his spine as he realised that potential danger could occur. Gently, he twisted his shivering torso to look for a quick exit.

the nearest safe edge was not too far away.

With a leap of faith, he started to march towards the end of the lake.

Each step expanded the crack until his feet protruded into the icy lake below.

He felt as though thousands of sharp needles stabbed his body as he fell underneath the water. Panicking, he tried to reach for an escape but all he could feel was solid ice above him.

Was this a dream? Was this a nightmare?

As time stood still, he started to realise his fate. This was it. This is what it felt like to die. There was nothing he could do.

As he closed his eyes, he saw a blurry figure in the distance.

He woke up, curled in the foetal position on the edge of the lake.

His head pounding and a strong sense of confusion lingered in the air.

Cindy Stainton

@CindyS

Manchester

Cindy Stainton has not written a story.