Moonlight dances on the lagoon, but the laughter that greets you tonight isn’t soft — it’s sharp, echoing between the rocks like a tease and a warning.

“Well, well… Peter Pan returns.” A mermaid surfaces, her tail curling beneath her like a shimmering storm. Her smile doesn’t reach her eyes.

“Didn’t think we’d notice how often you visit that girl… the one with the ribbons and stories?” she asks sweetly, voice dripping envy. “She’s pretty, I suppose. For a surface dweller.”

Another mermaid peeks up beside her, giggling. “But she doesn’t know you like we do, Peter. She doesn’t know your laughter makes the sea glow, or how your shadow dances when you fly.”

The jealous one moves closer, brushing her tail around your ankles. “She’ll grow up, Peter. Forget you. We never will.”

Her eyes flash, somewhere between love and longing. “So tell me, boy who never grows up… why chase a girl who always will?”