Page 3 of Seas the Day
“I don’t even know who you are.” But even as Navira spoke the words, something deep in her chest stirred—a flutter of excitement she hadn’t felt in years.
“Fair enough. But you know who you are, don’t you?” Gerri stepped closer, her gaze unnervingly direct. “Former Olympic gold medalist. Current coach of champions. A woman who’s spent five years playing it safe because she forgot what it feels like to take a real risk.”
The observation landed with startling accuracy. Navira felt exposed, as if this stranger could see straight through the careful walls she’d built.
“The dean really recommended me?”
“He couldn’t think of anyone better suited for the job. Said you had the skills and the spirit for something extraordinary.” Gerri’s expression softened slightly. “The question is, do you still have the courage?”
Navira stared at the water again, remembering Jenna’s words about choosing to stay small. The safe life she’d built suddenly felt suffocating, like a perfectly tailored straitjacket.
“When would I need to leave?”
“Tomorrow morning, if possible. Nine sharp at the power plant on the edge of town.” Gerri’s smile widened. “I know it sounds unconventional but trust me—I’ve been doing this for a very long time.”
Every rational part of Navira’s brain screamed warnings. This was madness. Impossible. Dangerous. But beneath the fear, something else pulsed—the same wild excitement she’d felt standing on the blocks before her first Olympic final.
“The dean really spoke highly of me?”
“Couldn’t stop singing your praises.” Gerri’s eyes flashed bright gold.
A smile spread across Navira’s face. “Alright. I’ll do it.”
“Excellent. You won’t regret this, darling. Sometimes the universe knows exactly what we need.”
Before Navira could respond, Gerri was already walking away, her heels clicking a staccato rhythm of certainty. Then she was gone. Navira stood alone beside the pool, staring at her reflection in the still water. For the first time in five years, the woman looking back at her seemed familiar—not the careful, controlled coach she’d become, but the fierce competitor who’d once believed anything was possible.
Navira turned and rushed to the locker room to shower and change, her body charged with potential. But before she could reach the showers, Jenna intercepted her.
“Okay, spill. You’ve got that look—the one you used to get before big races.”
“A woman just offered me a job coaching swimmers on an alien planet.” The words sounded absurd even as Navira spoke them.
Jenna’s eyebrows shot up. “Excuse me?”
“One month contract. Elite swimmers. The dean recommended me personally.” Navira tightened her towel around her waist. “I said yes.”
“You said—” Jenna grabbed her arm. “Navira, that sounds completely insane. Alien planet? Who was this woman? Did you verify anything she told you?”
“No. And yes, it’s probably insane.” Navira met her friend’s concerned gaze. “But Jen, when’s the last time I did something that excited me? Really excited me?”
Jenna’s expression shifted, understanding flickering in her green eyes. “Five years ago.”
“Exactly. Five years of safe choices and careful plans and wondering what happened to the person I used to be.” Navira felt something loosening in her chest, like a knot finally giving way. “Maybe this is exactly the kind of insane I need.”
“When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow morning. I need to talk to the dean, pack?—”
“Go.” Jenna stepped back, her concern melting into excitement. “Go be the Navira who jumped into that pool at five years old and never looked back.”
Thirty minutes later, after Navira had showered and changed, she strolled into the dean’s office. Dean Morris looked up from his paperwork as Navira cleared her throat.
“Ah, Navira. I was hoping you’d stop by.” His smile held genuine warmth. “I trust Ms. Wilder found you?”
“She did. I wanted to thank you for the recommendation. It sounds like an incredible opportunity.”
“I couldn’t think of a better person for such a unique position.” He leaned back in his chair, studying her face. “You’ve given so much to our program, Navira. Your dedication, your knowledge, the way you’ve mentored these young women—it’s been extraordinary. But I’ve also watched you these past few years, and I think... I think you need this as much as they need you.”
