Swiftcurrent Creek Now how can he smile

As she moved towards him, Hirundo stayed very still. Perhaps, if he stayed still enough, she would forget he was there and move along. A foolish, ridiculous thought, but it gave him comfort nonetheless. Her breath on the top of his head brought to mind memories he didn't want to reflect on. Ivory gleaming in the night, teeth snapping inches from his neck—

He shut his eyes and waited for the worst. But he felt no pain. As she spoke, he warily cracked open one eye.

I can? Hirundo asked doubtfully. No, wait. He couldn't give her the chance to change her mind. I mean, yes, of course! Plenty of fish for you, miss.

Saying this, he put on his best smile. He would be fine. He just had to catch a fish for the scary lady, and she wouldn't eat him. Easy. Bolstered by new motivation, he returned to staring intently at the river. Staring. Sitting. Watching. Tragically, his resolve had not magically improved his skills.

Another silvery fin shimmered under the surface, and quick as a bird, Hirundo decided to dive for it. The fat, silvery fish thrashed about in his jaws! He held it tight as he could as it stilled. He'd done it! Only, Hirundo could no longer feel the bottom of the river under his paws, and the water was rising up around his neck even as he paddled. What had initially looked like a quiet, languid creek was tugging forcefully at his limbs.

He began to thrash wildly in a struggle to get back to the shore. He tried to call for help, only it came out as a muffled hrrrrghhh mgh around the trout still weakly flopping in his mouth.