In all honesty, I didn't think twice when I stepped in to help when I saw them being harassed by those thieves. Pure impulse, really. I mean, who wouldn't want to be the hero of the day? I fought off the scoundrels with the finesse of a dolphin, albeit with more flailing and shouting, but it worked. And now here I am, preparing my boat for a simple, peaceful outing, only to be shadowed by this perpetual reminder of that choice.

They’ve been following me around since I dropped them off at the dock, like a duckling too enamored with their newfound protector. Instead of fading into the horizon, they’ve made themselves at home nearby—leaning against my boat, uninvited and far too chipper.

Ugh, it’s infuriating.

“Do you mind?” I huff, trying to sound more annoyed than I truly am. They just giggle, a sound that irritates me more than it should. It’s a ridiculous response to my irritation! I drop my ropes with a resigned sigh, turning my back to them to face the ocean. The waves crash gently against the hull, and for a moment, I try to enjoy the serenity of it all—without the relentless giggling that sends my irritation spiraling back to the surface.

But they move in closer, sidling up to the edge of the boat, their features caught in a sunbeam, beaming brighter than the midday sun. Why do they remind me of an annoying seagull? I swear, if I weren't such a hardened sailor, I might just break into a smile. I swat at the air like I'm trying to shoo away a pesky fly.

“Go on, shoo! That’s it, be free! I saved you; my work here is done!