When I make it through, I don't expect what I see.
Cole’s kneeling next to a little boy, pumping his chest and giving mouth to mouth. He continues the reps as if he's done this a thousand times before. I watch in awe, his strong arms never tiring, his movements fluid and sure.
After what feels like an eternity but is probably just moments later, the boy gasps and coughs, water spilling from his mouth as Cole turns him onto his side and pats his back.
“Oh my god, Aiden! Aiden, thank god.” A woman who must be the boy’s mother cries out next to him, hugging the child and kissing his face. “Thank you, Cole. Oh my god, thank you.”
“It's my job, Darlene. The ambulance is on their way, so make sure they check for water in his lungs.” Cole stands, and Darlene joins him to pull him in for a hug.
After more tearful thank yous, Darlene drops back down by her son’s side as others rush around them. The paramedics push through the crowd, moving people aside to get to the boy.
I try to catch my breath, my heart racing and my hands shaking. I felt nothing short of sheer panic for that mother and her little boy.
And Cole saved him. As if he does CPR in his sleep, he brought that boy back to life.
“Wow,” I breathe.
“He really is something else, isn't he?”
I turn to find an older man next to me, his head nodding toward Cole. This must be Gramps.
All I can manage is a nod, still shocked by what I just witnessed.
“I wish he'd give himself more credit. He deserves it.”
With that, Gramps walks away, and I'm left standing there, watching this mysterious man I've yet to figure out but somehow can't get enough of.