I had just been gifted
my first wakeboard.

A tradeoff
for all A’s.

The sun hit the water
breaking and scattering
into a million
tiny diamonds.

I was determined to get the most
out of my run.

I cut out against the boat
and cut back in
I fly up the wake
and glide down the other side.

Again I cut away from the boat
I cut right back in
but with more force this time.

Up the wake I flew
this time higher,
faster,
stronger.

Then I felt it.

My weight was slightly
off balance.
I was soaring towards the water
and before I knew it
SMACK!

I slammed into the water
full force.

I was instantly engulfed in darkness
spinning and spiraling
In an infinite
watery void.

I could feel the spinning water
force my board
into my head.

I finally surfaced
inhaling the fresh air
down my lungs.

I eventually paddled my way
to the boat.

I climbed out of the water
and onto the boat.

I looked down.

Blood streaked my arms
all the way to my legs.

A red river
flowing from my head
to my toes.

I reached up
and felt a sharp pain
where my fingers
met the bubbling gash in my head.

We instantly sped off
to the hospital.

The doctor asked me what happened
and laid me down on a bed.

He pulled out a syringe
and injected it into my head.

Then he grabbed something else.

I could only slightly feel him
pinch my cut.

Then click, click, click
staples entered my head.