25On that side of the statue, the vines were not decayed, so I was able to get handholds and rise with the water instead of being swept away. I stayed close in that crevice, but soon had my head above water.
While the torrent raged in the center, a reverse eddy formed in and around the statue. Downstream on the dark side of the figure, it was more turbid. I could see a whirlpool forming and branches sucked down into it. But on this side, the water was actually tending to push me against the stone figure, keeping me safe.
There was that peace again, but with a clearer mind than before.
And so I wanted to hold that thought forever...
