Theo did his best to move towards Oliver, doggy-paddling awkwardly, but there was still a fair way for him to go before he reached the safety of either Oliver or the shallower water. Once he could stand up, he'd have no problem walking to shore -- but as long as the bottom remained out of his reach, so did safety.
As he struggled towards Oliver, he lost his rhythm and slipped under the water again -- and this time he didn't sink deep enough to push off the bottom, instead flailing under the surface. He touched the rubbery skin of an encantado as the pod circled him and tried to grab on -- he had no idea what it was, but he'd go for anything solid at this point. But the dolphin moved away, leaving Theo running out of breath.
can't say good morning without lying twice
