She blinked water from her eyes and then found Mr. Delgado slipping away from her. She hooked a foot around the netting to anchor herself while she struggled to catch him before the sea took him. He thrashed around with his hands as she had, fighting against the current.
For a moment she thought she would be too late, but then her hand caught his. She pulled with all her might, bringing him towards the shore. She managed to yank him close enough that he could catch the netting with his hand.
From there she dragged him ashore the way she had carried him through the boat. By the time they were safely up on the beach, they were both soaked with water and sweat. Samantha found a shady spot to set him down and then collapsed next to him. "We did it," she said.
"You did good, kid," he said. Then his eyes closed and he fell asleep.