Theo gasped as his head broke the surface, thanks to the stranger's boost. He took in huge gulps of air; he'd never been so grateful for the ability to breathe in his life. Well, he'd never almost drowned before, either, so he'd rather taken it for granted.
He managed to pant, "Thanks," at the stranger between his deep, grateful breaths. More detailed conversation could wait till they got to shore, Theo figured. Everything could wait till they got to shore. And he'd have to let his rescuer take the lead on that, because Theo still had no idea how to swim. He'd just stay limp and let the other man figure it out.
can't say good morning without lying twice
