Chester pushed forward, his arms and legs working in a coordinated dance as he moved through the water. The cheers of the crowd behind him slowly faded as he swam farther and farther from the shore. He felt the old fear of the unknown, but he kept it at bay. He had come too far to turn back now.
He felt the water growing colder, and his muscles began to ache as he reached the halfway point. He was close to giving up, but he kept going, pushing himself to go faster and farther.
Suddenly, he felt something grab his leg. He screamed, kicking and thrashing, but whatever it was held him tight. He looked around, desperately seeking help, and then he saw it: a large whale, its eyes filled with understanding.
Chester calmed himself, and the whale slowly released him. He looked into its eyes, and he knew the whale was with him, swimming alongside him for the rest of the way.
Chester smiled and continued on, the whale by his side. He felt a renewed strength, and he pushed himself harder, finally reaching the end of the course. He emerged from the water triumphant, and the crowd erupted into cheers. He had done it; he had set a swimming record.
The whale returned to the depths, leaving Chester alone at the shore. He looked out at the vast sea and said a silent thank you. With the whale's help, he had done the impossible.