Most of them seemed in a hurry to leave. I heard someone call to Mary, “Are you coming to dinner?” Mary moved into view. I saw her pull off her swim cap. Her red hair bounced out. She had her back to me. She adjusted her swimsuit. Then she raised one leg and rubbed her knee. “Mary—you’re always the last one dressed,” one of her teammates said. “I just want to go in the whirlpool for a few minutes,” Mary replied. “My leg muscles are all cramped.” Voices trailed off down the hall. The training room door slammed shut. A few seconds later, the room stood silent. I peeked out from my dark corner and, between the row of metal lockers, I could see Mary. She dropped a white towel beside the Jacuzzi. Then, resting a hand on the chrome ladder, she stepped into the steaming water. I poked my head out farther. I wanted to see what happened next. I watched her lower herself into the swirling, hot pool. I could see her face and her pale shoulders above the water. It took a few seconds before she started to scream.
