"Oh, Spike," Ducky giggled as she swam near her brother. "I cannot even think about food when I am swimming and having so much fun, no no no."
"Yeah, that counts I guess," Cera replied to Longtail. While she was glad to see her friends having fun, Cera felt left out. She was beginning to feel sad when Anna swam over to her.
"You're not comin' in any further?" Anna asked.
"No. I've gotta tell you something," Cera said.
"Lemme guess, you're not much of a swimmer?" Anna guessed.
"How'd you guess?" Cera asked.
"Well, why else would someone like yourself, who is so sure of herself and likes doin' things with her pals, be standin' over here while everyone else is havin' all the fun?" Anna replied.
"You're smarter than I thought. I just wish I could be out there with everybody else. Even Tricia's braver about the water than I am," Cera said.
"I think you're just scared of the water 'cuz you're not your strongest when in water. Back in my world, we have a way of helpin' folks get rid of phobias," Anna said as she continued to swim in place.
"Foe-bee-uhs?" Cera asked.
"Yeah. That's our word for an intense, irrational fear," Anna explained.
"Do you think that's what I'm dealing with?" Cera wondered.
"It's a possibility," Anna said.
"Well, tell me about this 'treatment'," Cera said.
"Well, what we do is expose the individual to their phobia and it helps 'em overcome their fear when they realize they're not in harm's way. That bein' said, would ya like to try what I'm talkin' about? I promise no pranks," Anna asked.
"Sure," Cera replied with a smile. "No pranks from me, either."
"A'ight, then," Anna said before she turned so her back was turned to Cera. She was submerged to her shoulders.
"Hang onto me and I'll swim us out to the others," Anna said. Cera did as told, and wrapped her front legs snugly around Anna's neck.
"Ack! Not too tight now," Anna choked.
"Sorry," Cera giggled as she loosened her hold.
"Much better. Okay, here goes," Anna said before she swam out toward the others. She made sure at least Cera's head was above the water as she swam. Meanwhile, Cera was enjoying herself. The deeper water did not seem so bad after all.
"Hey, guys! I'm out here now!" Cera said with a smile.