For a couple of minutes, it seemed as though it wouldn't work, and Tess remained still, growing cold slowly on the bathroom tiles, her chest refusing to move in answer to his breathing. Finally, Tess's body jerked faintly, then a second time as she coughed, water sputtering up through her throat and out from between her lips. She coughed again, harder, as more came up, turning her head to one side so that it went onto the floor.
After she finally finished coughing, Tess dragged several large breaths of air, then opened her eyes slowly, focusing on Pete as one hand rose weakly to his face.
"...Pete?" Her voice was rough from the soreness of her throat, and weak, but at least she was talking.