My eyes threatened to droop closed. After getting no sleep last night, Ragnor woke me up early to go to work. I'd much rather sleep for three years, but he'd kill me if I fell asleep. Or he'd take my money for the day. Or both. Neither those are things I desire.

Just one nap.

The sun shone brightly, making the water sparkle. It made my eyes hurt. I was gripping the railing for support because surly if I let go I would fall to the ground in an over dramatic way. I was always known for being dramatic. Ragnor came to check on me, and broke our peaceful silence. He stopped in his tracks."Magnus, are you sure you're okay?" Ragnor asked. He seemed seemed genuinely concerned. Not that it mattered now.

I glared at him. "Do I really look that bad? You don't say. I'd though that I'd be functioning perfectly well after practically not sleeping at all."

"Magnus, no need to get aggressive with me. You should've said something." I sighed. He practically had to drag me out of my house, and I was very dazed whenever he tried to tell me something.

"There's no point in it now. We're already out on the water. Might as well stay." I let out another sigh and fell back into a chair. I let my eyes close of a minute, knowing Ragnor might not yell at me now. My whole body ached and yelled at me to take a rest. Never again, I say as I will probably be plagued with nightmares again this night. The warmth from the sun and soothing sounds of the wave carried me to a deep sleep, and I finally let sleep take me. It would be impossible to stay awake the whole time, now that I think about it. Ragnor shouldn't have expected anything else.
Later on when I slept, I was rudely shaken awake. "Magnus! Get up!" he stage whispered. I groaned and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. The sun nearly blinded me. After letting my eyes adjust, I turned to Ragnor.
"What do you want?" I cracked my neck.
"Don't make much noise, but the merman from yesterday is caught in our nets." Caught in our nets? It seems unlikely knowing how smart merman can be, but I don't question it. I got out of my chair and peered over the edge. Surely enough, there he was. Tangled in our net and struggling. It looked painful, though. The net was digging into his skin and it was dangerously close to choking the poor merman. If he stopped struggling he would be able to get out easier, but he's clearly panicking and doesn't know what to do.
"That's money being handed to us, Magnus. We can finally get out of here!" Ragnor exclaimed. He put a hand on my shoulder and tried to get me to look at him.
I heard Ragnor's words, but I didn't listen. My mind was currently occupied with the thoughts of how much pain the merman must be in. It might just be because he's attractive, but I want him to live. The net was causing his pale skin to bruise, and cut though his arms. Bleeding in the ocean was never good. He seemed strong and more than likely knew how to wield a weapon, but injured and on his own might not be enough to take on a shark. No matter how experienced he might be.
Ragnor was still lecturing me on why we should cash in on him, but I told him to be quiet. His shut up, but looked like he wanted to kill me. "Cut in free," I said firmly.
His eyes widened, and he still looked like he wanted to kill me. "Are you out of your mind? Have you been listening to a word I've been saying?"
"Actually no, but listen to me. Cut him free."
"But that's another broken net! Why waste money when we can get our net back and then some. There's no down side."
"Yes there is." I pointed to the merman. "He dies." Ragnor rolled his eyes for the millionth time.
"Since when do you care about the lives of mermen?" Ragnor groaned.
I gave him the worst look I could muster. "Since now. Now, I'm going to ask you again. Cut. Him. Free." I said each word as intimidating as I could. Well, as intimidating as I could be with bloodshot eyes and bags under my eyes. Ragnor swore under his breath and got a small knife. He looked at me and cut through the net. Then he dropped the knife on the floor. Ragnor walked away and I looked over the edge of the boat. He was still there, and confusion washed over his face. I told him to go, and he eventually got the idea and swam away. I sighed in relief. He was safe now and that's all that matters.

Okay this chapter is under 1000 words and I hate that but I couldn't think of anything else and this is still the beginning. Give me time and it'll get better trust me, and I'm a week late oops. Soz like I said this was hard and rehearsals and studying are currently taking over my life. Vote, comment, and stay awesome.