Eyes

Well, well, well.
I did my second shift of lifeguarding in a long time yesterday.
And guess what?

I jumped in to do yet another rescue.

Am I cursed with drowning people, or blessed to be a hero in some little kid's eyes?

I think the first.

There are many guards on the staffs who are yet older than I, worked longer than I, but have never rescued anyone. I seem to be forced to do it every time on the stand.

I think I overanticipate. I've learned to look at the eyes of the patrons I'm watching. There's something unique about eyes. They just can't lie when it comes to mortal fear.
Everyone that I watch and scan over have different expressions on their faces. Except for the occasional person struggling to swim.
At first their eyes give a look like, "this isn't happening!"
Then they try to appear like they're just fine....
just wait for it...
The terrified gasp arrives, and thrashing happens, and the eyes tell all.
Don't be distracted by the embarassed smile...trying to cover it all up. The lips lie! The eyes tell all!

That's when I come in.
And yank 'em out.
Woo hoo.