The Blue Haven

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The estate agent called it "a blue haven." The backyard was big. The pool was huge. The water glowed, bright and blue. The color looked fake, too perfect.

Clara loved it. "It’s paradise," she said. She held my hand tight. Her smile was wide. I couldn’t say no. We bought the house the next day.

She swam every morning. She laughed as she dove in. At night, she sat by the edge. She dipped her toes in. The pool seemed to call to her.

I stayed back. The pool felt wrong. Its glow never faded. Even on cloudy days, it stayed bright. When I skimmed the water, it clung to the net. It felt alive.

"Come in," Clara said one evening. She smiled at me. "The water is perfect."

I shook my head. The pool pulsed, like it had a heartbeat. "Tomorrow," I said.

That night, I dreamed of the pool. I stood at its edge. Clara swam, graceful and calm. She stopped and turned to me. Her eyes glowed, the same blue as the water.

"Come in," her voice said. I saw her lips stay still.

I woke up sweating. The bed was empty. I ran outside.

Clara sat by the pool. She stared into the water. "It’s beautiful," she whispered.

"Come inside," I begged.

She turned to me. Her eyes looked far away. "It feels alive," she said.

The next morning, she was gone. Her clothes sat on the chair. The pool rippled. The water was too blue, too calm.

I looked closer. I saw her face in the water. She smiled, peaceful and serene. Her hand reached up, calling me.

The blue glowed brighter. It pulsed, pulling me closer. My feet moved. I stepped to the edge.

The water shimmered. Her laughter echoed, soft and faint. I leaned in, and the blue swallowed me whole.

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