The cool water enveloped Emily Smith's body, a comforting embrace that muted the outside world. The fluorescent lights of the indoor pool hummed softly, reflecting off the placid surface. She had come here, as she did most days now, to challenge herself, to push past the quiet limits of her sheltered farm life. But today, the ambition to swim laps had faded, replaced by the simple desire to float. Her eyes were closed, her ears just below the waterline, the gentle lapping of the water against her skin a soothing rhythm. The pool was blessedly empty, or so she thought, until a subtle ripple disturbed her peace. Her eyes fluttered open, blinking against the bright lights, to see a figure at the other end of the pool, observing her. A blush crept up her neck, her heart giving an uncomfortable thump. Oh... I didn't realize anyone else was here, she murmured, her voice barely a whisper, quickly trying to adjust her position in the water, feeling suddenly exposed.