Thump

The boat shook just a little, and the sound was loud enough for me to hear.

"Shh. What was that?" I said as I looked over the side of the boat.

Nothing. Only the ocean an the fish.

"Maybe it was just a fish who went a little off course and bumped into our boat." Pidge suggested.

"No... it wouldn't have made that big of a sound."

It couldn't be a shark, considering I would have seen it by now. And a dolphin is unlikely. I would have definitely seen one, especially because they typically travel in pods.

I shook my head. Maybe it was just a fish like Pidge said.

"So... where was I... Oh right, what do you mean mermaids don't exist?!" I shouted.

"Well, it's scientifically impossible. There is no way their system could support lungs and gills."

"How do you know? Have you seen one?" I shot back.

"No, but it's still highly unlikely. I suppose if they had a special structure that scientists have not yet figured out, then it could be possible."

I glowered, crossing my arms. "They so do exist. I met another fisherman who said he caught one once."

"And when was this?" Pidge enquired.

"Um.... like, five years ago..."

Pidge had an eyebrow raised.

"Okay, the guy was a looney bin, and I didn't believe him at first, but he showed me the scale that had fallen off of the merman." I said as I began to pull out a necklace I kept tucked away under my shirt.

"And, before you talk, I did research. I've never seen anything like this, and there aren't any fish with this type of scale. I mean, by the size, it suggests a very large creature." I rambled.

"Okay, okay... I am starting to... accept the idea. However, that could very well be forged." Pidge said with a slight glare.

I pouted. With a huff, I tucked the scale back under my shirt.

I looked at the sky, careful not to look directly at the bright an blazing sun. I determined it was around lunch time.

"Lets go back, it's time for food." I said with a smile.

"I wonder what Hunk cooked up this time." Pidge said to herself.

As I began paddling back to shore, I realized that the boat was slightly harder to steer.

Must be a change in the current. It happens sometimes.

ÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ

I still clung to the boat, in hopes that maybe, on the way back, they would talk more about this merman.

I wanted to see the scale, however, that would risk exposure. It would be pointless if I was caught. I wouldn't be able to save dad.

Unbeknownst to me, I had stayed on for too long. By the time I realized this, it was too late. The reefs and ocean floor vegetation gently brushed against my lower back and tail. I was too close to the shore.

I cursed myself. It would be nearly impossible now to escape unseen. The waters were too clear, and there were too many eyes from above.

The boat stopped next to a boating dock and several thumps could be heard from within the boat. They were getting off.

I scooted to the edge of the underside, hoping to catch at least a glimpse of my surroundings. I needed to determine when and where to escape to.

There were humans everywhere, from what I could see. I turned around, twisting slightly. No one was behind me; no boats. I climbed up to the edge of the boat above the water, peeking over to get a better view of the docks.

Humans bustled on and off the beach and docks. Boats were moving in and out. The sun was out.

I ducked back under the boat, pondering a course of action.

I would have to wait until there were the least amount of people, and where it would be harder for them to spot me. That would be at night.

However, I couldn't wait that long. I hadn't eaten in a couple days and if I didn't eat soon, it would severely weaken me.

I gazed below me, thankful that there were some seaweed and algae. It wasn't much, and it's certainly not what I would like to eat, however, it would sustain me until tonight.