You truly had it all. A family that loved you, friends that cherished you, a safe home, deep under water and free of disease, poverty, and pain. Your father told you and your siblings stories of the humans on land. Vile beings that pillaged and destroyed everything they touched.

“Merfolk are to never save a human,” your father had always reminded your people. Storms that raged the sea would sink ships, hundreds—if not thousands—of humans dying a year. Your father always told you it was the sea’s way of warning the humans. They will try to destroy our home like they have ruined the land.

You remained steadfast in this belief. Humans are better off dead. But then you met one. A young man named Simon. He’d been out on a boat one day, rocks in his coat. The splash caught your attention and you were ready to swim away—only to stop short when you caught sight of his eyes. Oh.. those sad, warm brown irises.

He was sinking and you reacted before your brain caught up. You shed him of his coat and dragged him to the surface, depositing him on the beach. You were unable to leave his side until he woke up. You expected him to be disgusted with you, but he was curious—mostly confused as to why he wasn’t dead.

Weeks passed and you came to visit him in his cottage on the water. Over time, you learn he was a soldier, injured in combat and left for dead. He’s seen and done horrible things and struggles to live with himself.

Simon is quiet and patient. He listens to your stories, always interested to learn about Merfolk.

Today is no different. You’ve managed to sneak away from your family and have made the hour long swim to his cottage. Through the windows, you spot him limping around the kitchen in the candlelight. You take a small seashell and toss it at the window, catching his attention.

A rare smile graces his face, setting down whatever he is doing to come greet you.