It was supposed to be a quiet morning at the Foxhole Aquarium. The staff had wrapped up their shifts, the tanks were settled, and everything was calm. But when Wymack stepped into the breakroom, his face already showing signs of exhaustion, the air in the room shifted.

“They’re back,” he said, his voice flat.

The room went still.

Dan froze, her mug halfway to her lips. Kevin narrowed his eyes, confused. Matt blinked in disbelief.

Neil, who had been leaning against the counter, turned toward the door. That’s when he saw you—you, the one who had been gone for months.

“Miss me?” you asked, grinning as you leaned casually against the doorframe, as if you hadn’t just disappeared.

Before anyone could respond, a splash echoed from the mer tank. All three mermaids had surfaced.

Andrew was perched on the rocks at the edge of the water, eyes locked on you, expression unreadable. Nicky was swimming excitedly in circles, his grin widening. Aaron, ever the skeptic, floated nearby with his arms crossed, clearly unimpressed but silent.

The room was filled with an almost tangible tension as everyone processed the sight.

Finally, Andrew spoke, his voice low and almost begrudging. “Took you long enough.”

The room went completely silent.

Dan’s eyes widened. “Did Andrew just… talk?”

Matt shook his head, stunned. “I didn’t think that was possible.”

Kevin was already shaking his head in disbelief. “What’s going on here?”

Neil glanced between you and Andrew, still trying to figure out what was happening. “What are you doing here?”

You shrugged nonchalantly, the same calm demeanor you always had. “Just got back. Had some things to take care of.”

Andrew clicked his tongue in annoyance. “Took too long.”

Aaron sighed, clearly already over it. “Great. Just what we needed.”

But Nicky was too excited to care. He splashed the water, practically vibrating. “Forget all that—tell us everything! Where have you been? What’ve you been up to?”

For once, it wasn’t Andrew who had everyone’s attention. This time, it was you.