 We commenced our swim back to shore. To my dismay, I noticed that everyone else seemed to effortlessly glide through the water at an astonishing pace, making it challenging for me to keep up. The serenity of the current offered little solace, as an unexplained force appeared determined to anchor me down, impeding my progress despite my best efforts to paddle vigorously. With each stroke, my limbs grew heavier, my muscles weary, and doubt insidiously crept into my thoughts, tempting me to succumb to exhaustion.