Higgs looked up at the ceiling, taking a deep breath and sighing. "Well. OK!"
He turned about on his heel walked until he was level with Richie, placing a foot on the boy's back and pushing down hard. He pressed just enough to slowly push Richie down but not submerge the boy completely. Underneath Richie, faces and hands of more beings made out of black tar began to appear, reaching up at him, grabbing and grasping, catching a hold of his shirt. They moaned, a cacophony of screams and pleading desperation.
"I changed my mind Richie, you can scream for help as loud as you like." he shouted, laughter permeating his voice. "If you don't make a decision before they drag you under you can be beached in the seam and then only your friends can save you before you drown. Make a choice or I make it for you."