When I surface the water, the first thing I see is—
I gasp.
The view is breathtaking! Trees with orange leaves sway as the wind cool the air and shrubs are filled with blooming colorful flowers. Sunlight showers them and compliments their gleams. Although the ocean is wonderful, too, this reaches beyond its standard.
The sky, finally I see the sky. It’s blue, light blue, with gentle, white clouds spreading wide in the sky.
Oh, now. Shush, Lindsay. There are still more to see; don’t waste your time.
A 10 meter long wooden bridge extends from the land and reaches beside my right, its foot reaching beneath the knee-deep, crystal-clear water that’s decorated by pebbles and shells beautifully. I never thought the water viewed from above would be this alluring!
No wonder my sister wanted to see the land, breaking the rule even though she knew she would be chastised. She’s 20 years old, now imprisoned since she got caught trying to go to the land. Since I owe her a lot for the good deeds she did when I was younger until before the day she was imprisoned, I’m repaying her by completing her goal. I can’t tolerate having fun in the sea while she’s imprisoned in that blasted lonely dungeon.
So here I am, with my camera ready to take pictures of the human land. Fortunately, with the help of my parents who reluctantly agreed to my decision, I reach here safely. If not for them I would’ve been imprisoned, too.
Seeing this handled nature in front of me, I don’t get why we mermaids and mermen are prohibited to go explore the human territory. And as far as I know, humans mean well. Why’s it forbidden?
I shake my head, pushing the thought away. I jump as high as I can, landing my hands on the surface of the bridge with my silver-blue tail following after, dangling at the edge. Human legs gradually form and my tail disappears concurrently. Soon, black skinny jeans cover my legs and I wear a white loose shirt. Sandals then appear, cradling my feet.
“Well, I guess that’s the finishing touch of my human avatar!” I get up, nearly falling in the process. I mutter, “I need to get used to these feet.”
Bracing myself, I walk further away from the water and onto the dirt road, stumbling while catching myself before I fall for real.
“Goodness! When can I get used to these feet?” I grumble to the fair-skinned flesh beneath me. “Now you ruin my chance to observe the surrounding, thank you!”
I’m too focused on scolding my “new feet” that I don’t notice a person creeps behind me until he yells, “BOO!” I scream a loud shriek, flailing my arms as I begin to lose my balance forward.
“Whoa.” An arm curves around my waist and pulls me back. My heart pounds fortuitously. I regain my balance, but his warm arm is still around my waist and I can feel my cheeks going warm.
What the shoes is happening? I know that I’m antisocial but I never thought I would get this nervous.
“You okay?” the person asks, his husky voice sending shivers down my spine.
I immediately spin out of his arm. “Yes, yes. I’m fine. Thank you—no.” I glare at him. “You don’t deserve that thank-you. Whyever did you scare me like that? I’m pretty sure it was clear that I—” I stop abruptly when I notice his appearance. He has disheveled dirty blonde hair that’s a tad longer than other males I met, with his bangs almost touching his dark-lashed eyes. His eyes are pretty. They are blue—like mine! Only his are ocean blue while mine is icy blue. They glint with humor and they are very—
“You were saying?” His voice snaps me out of my nonsensical thoughts. A smirk is on his lips. Heat rushes to my cheeks.
“My apologies. Let’s forget that.” I turn around and continue my path, but only to stumble and getting caught by him again.
I hear him chuckle. “Easy. Why don’t you sit?”
“No. I need to do this fast,” I blurt out.
“Do what?”
“Oh, um, I was sent here to take some pictures for some reason. And I was given two days only. I don’t know what the pictures are for. They just told me to take some and bring them back but apparently I have trouble with my feet I can’t walk properly and—”
“Slow down and take a deep breath.” I do as told. “Many come here for pictures, so you have no need to be nervous. Why don’t you go to my house as a welcome?”
“Oh, sure! I mean, if that won’t bother you. Wait. You’re not planning anything evil right? No, I decline your request. I don’t need any welcoming, it’s just two days and I can take the pictures easily, so it’s fine. I can do this by myself and, well, it’s not like I don’t trust you but we just met so—”
He laughs. “Relax. Everyone is considered family in this area, newcomer or not as long as they have kind deeds.”
“Oh, all right. Well, if it doesn’t bother you—”
“Absolutely not. Let’s go.” I’m about to walk again when he in a flash carry me bridal-style. I’m very sure my cheeks are red.
“Hey, let me down! I can walk by myself,” I protest.
“No, princess. By the looks of it, you can’t.” He winks.
Deeper inside, the view is more fantastic. Wonderful creatures are luring around, some munching on grasses. There’s a small lake where fishes are swimming and jumping happily, and few children as well as teenagers are playing there, too, splashing water to each other while a few are out doing their chores. There are only a tad more than a dozen people.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7YyV7bsMV
The guy, whose name is apparently Leo, put me gently to the ground. I take out my camera and shoot the nature and the people having fun. I view my shots. Unconsciously I utter, “Everything is sparkling. All of them are shining so bright.”639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM21wCdtJ7
Leo smiles. “Come on.” He leads me to a simple wooden house with his hand on my arm, supporting me from falling. He opens the door and gestures me to go in first to which I comply.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4fm7ZCJUC
Lemony scent and warmness greets me when I enter, contrasting the environment outside. A coffee table is settled in the center with comfortable-looking sofas surrounding it. There is a door to the opposite and to the right.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5zsAESPYL
A woman with silky blonde hair tied into low side ponytail enters the room from the opposite door. Her eyes are blue like Leo, but instead of humor they carry kindness.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHElgyEnbZ
“Oh, a guest? Hello, dear, I’m Eniola, Leo’s mother. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Would you like some drink?” She smiles.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0HiBSCY23
“My name is Lindsay, ma’am. Thank you, but it’s fine. I don’t want to—”639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04UtCGHXd5
“Prepare her mint tea. She’s traveled far and exhausted,” Leo interrupts me. I stomp his foot. “Ow, what was that for?”639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIKmUGDBkU
“I said it’s fine, you idiot!” I glare at him.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoSsSeK2Wl
“And I’m sure that’s because you don’t want to be a bother.”639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYNhfAe52s
“That is true,” I agree. “However, I do not want to waste your supplies as well, and I’m only going to be here for two days, so just keep—” I stop when I realize Eniola has retreated to the opposite room, which I’m guessing is the kitchen. I gape. I see the resemblance between the two now.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4mLw7B9Kd
I grunt. Leo chuckles, leading me to the sofa. I gladly sit, though still scowling at him. Leo sits facing me.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlsJtybSFZ
“So, did you travel here by foot?” Leo’s question almost catches me off-guard.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIoEUNZ1UI
“Yes, I did. Thus, trouble walking. As you can see before,” I stammer.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugd6HQ3YUN
Eniola enters the room again with three cups of tea. The minty smell fills the air.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuElAnUDVU
“Mm, the aroma is strong,” I mumble.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpujLfSSuQM
Eniola sits beside Leo. “Enjoy your tea.”639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Oxhgy9zFm
There is a moment of silence as we sip our teas. The rule of prohibiting my race to go explore the human land comes into my mind, and I think, They are kind. They give me hospitality even though I decline. What makes that rule? 639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYkhTIarPi
“Where are you from, Lindsay?” I hear Eniola asks. I almost spit out the liquid. I place my cup on the table, clearing my throat awkwardly.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLt8ZhzA7jx
“Not that far,” I answer.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iVEw4DtHK
“Not far? As far as we know, other places are very far.” Oh, I’m doomed. I’m going to be discovered—my race will be discovered. We’ll be in danger, they will test us as experiments. Oh! Now I know why we’re forbidden. But those who are caught can just be grounded instead of imprisoned in that blasted dungeon. That’s just too far. Is there another reason? Maybe it’s a “duh” but I’m just too stupid—639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8e6CF3nQDf
“Lindsay.” Leo’s voice brings me back to real life.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zS8rdr0ox
“Oh, my apologies. Did you say something?” I respond sheepishly.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnAFaWuXWe
Leo shakes his head, smiling. “I see now you love going into your own world.”639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjNCWgFtlv
“I’m very sorry.” I fiddle with the hem of my shirt with embarrassment, my silver hair falling over my shoulders.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVfhgA8EYF
“Now, Leo. Don’t make her feel uncomfortable. I believe it surprised her when you suddenly appear in front of her.” Eniola turns to me. “But Lindsay”—she smiles—“you have a beautiful hair.”639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh36nHy0Xbi
“Oh, um, thank you?”639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡie92ieGYXW
“Mom, now you’re making her uncomfortable.” Leo leans back, crossing his arms.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l8OnVNvbm
“My, sorry, dear, for making you uncomfortable.”639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8icGJVIX8a
“It’s quite all right,” I reply awkwardly.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8DLxTfTzp
Eniola turns to her son. “Why don’t you bring her to the backyard? I’m sure she’ll enjoy it there. While you’re there, please give the fishes some food.”639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s5rY2GSyN
Leo stands up and gestures me to follow with a cock of his head. We go to the opposite room—which is the kitchen—and on to the door on the left corner. He pushes it, and light blinds my eyes. Once my vision is adjusted, I gasp. Sparkling rows of flowers! Arranged neatly and carefully. A fish pond is to the corner, where Leo continues his walk and crouch, feeding the fishes.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwoUePNRz3
The mesmerizing surrounding keeps me frozen on my spot. This makes me feel that humans won’t do anything dangerous to us. I can see that they love nature, and will treat any other living creatures the same.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy90qAaJFlZ
Finally, I go to his direction, careful not to stumble. It all goes well until Leo turns around to face me and my feet fail to have their balance. I see his eyes go wide for a fraction and he tries to catch me. To no avail. I crash into him, and something soft touches my lips.639Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhflRvQAZe
