Lost and Found • mikhaiah au

01. The First Dive

Agnes stepped up to her lane, feeling a surge of adrenaline. Just as she was settling in, Maiko, with her usual flair, moved over and took her position right beside Agnes.

Maiko flashed a confident grin and leaned in slightly. "Ready to make waves, Navarro?"

Agnes tried to keep her cool, but Maiko's taunt stung. "Save the chatter after the race, Herrera," she replied, her frustration evident.

With their goggles in place, Maiko and Agnes took their place on the starting block. As the two focused on the race ahead, the starter's gun fired, cutting through the noise of the crowd.

In a synchronized surge, all the swimmers plunged into the water, signaling the official start of the race.

Agnes and Maiko quickly pulled ahead from the pack, their strokes cutting through the water with impressive speed.

Agnes took an early lead, her form flawless as she powered through the first lap with fierce determination. The crowd roared with excitement as she reached the turn, her head slightly turned to glance at Maiko, who was trailing just behind.

Maiko, however, was not about to back down. With her focus, she tightened her stroke and started closing the gap.

As they approached the halfway mark, Maiko's strategy began to shine. She shifted into a higher gear, her movements becoming more fluid and efficient. The rivalry between them was palpable, each swimmer pushing harder, trying to outpace the other.

By the time they made the turn for the final stretch, Maiko had overtaken Agnes.

The shift in momentum was swift; Maiko's powerful strokes and relentless drive gave her the edge. Agnes, feeling the pressure, fought to keep up, her breaths coming in quick bursts as she tried to reclaim her lead. The tension in the water was electric, with both swimmers giving their all.

In the final stretch, Maiko surged ahead, her speed and endurance giving her the winning edge.

The crowd's cheers reached a pitch as Maiko touched the wall first, her victory clear. Agnes reached the wall shortly after, breathing heavily but with a look of frustration and disappointment in her eyes.

The rivalry between Maiko and Agnes had been on full display, and while Maiko had claimed victory this time, the battle was far from over—especially for Agnes.

Maiko, dripping with water and still catching her breath, climbed out of the pool. With a mix of triumph, she extended a hand to Agnes, who was still in the water, struggling to catch her breath.

"Great race, Navarro," Maiko said, her smile genuine despite the competition.

Agnes looked at Maiko's outstretched hand, hesitated for a moment, then grasped it, forcing a smile in return. "Thanks, Herrera. You were incredible out there."

With a nod of acknowledgment, Maiko helped Agnes out of the pool. "I'm looking forward to seeing you at the next race," she said with a playful grin.

Agnes offered a faint smile as she left the pool area, her frustration evident but mingled with respect.

Maiko lingered for a moment, accepting congratulations from her fans and teammates before eventually stepping away.

In the locker room, Agnes flung her swimming cap and goggles onto the floor, the sound echoing in the empty space. As she sat down heavily on a bench, it hit her—she had finished second again.

The realization that she hadn't been able to surpass Maiko, despite all her effort, settled in with a mix of disappointment. She rubbed her temples, reflecting on the nagging feeling that no matter how hard she tried, Maiko always seemed to stay just out of reach.

"Damn it!" Agnes swore, her voice breaking as she let her emotions finally spill over.

Tears streamed down her face as the weight of her repeated near-victories and ongoing rivalry with Maiko hit her all at once. She buried her face in her hands, the frustration of coming so close yet falling short overwhelming her.

Just then, her coach appeared in the locker room. Seeing Agnes' distress, she approached with a soft, understanding smile. "Hoy, Navarro."

Agnes looked up, her eyes red and tearful.

"Sige na nga, hindi mo na muna ako coach ngayon, halika na,"

Without saying a word, Agnes threw her arms around her coach in a hug. The coach embraced her back, holding her close.

"Ate Colleen, I'm sorry, I failed again."

"Shh, eto namang batang to!" Colleen, her coach murmured teasingly but comforting.

"We'll get through this together, and you'll come back stronger. But for now, let yourself feel what you need to."

Agnes nodded against Colleen's shoulder, feeling a warm sense of relief in the hug.

When they finally pulled apart, Colleen couldn't help but laugh at the sight of Agnes, her face streaked with tears and her hair a mess. "Muka kang naihian ng kambing," Colleen teased.

Agnes formed a disgust look and swiped at her tear-streaked face. "Ano ba yan, Ate Cols! Okay na sana eh, na-comfort mo na sana ako oh."

Colleen grinned and ruffled Agnes' hair playfully. "Tough love tawag dito, baliw!"

Agnes chuckled despite herself. "Nye nye,"

Colleen laughed, her voice light and encouraging. "Alright, tama na ang pagiging oa, piskit ka! Back to being your coach, next time ha, I expect nothing less than a performance and a less messy hug, okay? I know you've got it in you, Navarro."

Agnes took Colleen's words to heart, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "Got it, Ate Cols. I'll be ready for the next race."

Colleen nodded with a smile. "That's the spirit. I'll see you tomorrow, practice ha, and remember, you're stronger than you think."

With that, Colleen waved and exited the locker room, leaving Agnes alone with her thoughts. As the door closed behind her coach, Agnes straightened up, a fierce resolve igniting within her.

"I'll show you, Herrera,"