I must have lost consciousness for twenty seconds or so on that floatie. I found myself on the other side of the roped-off area. In the neighboring zone, with its different swimmers and different beach. I propelled myself back with my hands. The sky looked the same.
In a land far away they’re lining up for rifles to shoot at the rampaging invaders from the East.
They’re playing The Song now, I’ve heard it twice. Everything goes to hell eventually.