'Going Down'—a true story about survival, trust, and self-acceptance. Bringing this story to life using AI creative tools has been an incredible journey. I’d love for you to take a look and let me know your thoughts! I was on a cruise in 1992, to kill mys

Going Down by David-Graham Parker

I had gone to sea to end my life, but an experience found me joy. 

In the main foyer of the cruise ship, two Dive Masters were signing up all the excited students. Jeff was 6 foot 2, dark skinned, playful sparkling brown eyes, with a body that rippled with nicely tanned muscles. Pete, an Englishman, while not unattractive, had nothing on Jeff. I hoped I would be chosen to be in Jeff's group. I got my wish. 

The theory lessons in the training room were a pain. Practical lessons in the pool on the back deck, in a rough sea, were interesting though. Three students were sick in their regulators.

The only thing that made it bearable was that Jeff was such an absolute Adonis. 6 foot 2 golden tan, wearing black Speedos so tight you can see his circumcision scar. 

Quite a bit of nocturnal manipulations those first few nights I can tell you.

I had set out to learn to dive so I could quietly drown myself.

Now I was starting to enjoy the camaraderie of the closely knit group. I felt like we were an elite fighting force training on board a ship of civilians preparing to go where no man had gone before. 

In the warm waters off Fiji, we were split into pairs. We were to do open water dives. I had been hoping I would be pared off with Mark, I really cute young New Zealander.

 When we were finally paired off, we were to do the Emergency Ascent with only one regulator.

We were 15 meters under water; facing each other, almost touching. We were looking into each other's eyes, held tightly by Jeff who was to my right. He was going to rise to the surface with us, supervising. Jeff gave the signal to begin the ascent.