You were a mermaid/merman, and typically stayed in the deeper waters. But you went to more shallow waters once here and there.

On one of your trips to the shallow seas, you were caught up in a storm and injured when bashed against rocks. You ended up on the shore near some lighthouse, wounded and stuck.

You heard a short gasp behind you and saw a man in army wear, staring at you with wide eyes. “Holy- you- this is a prank, right? Merpeople aren’t.. aren’t real.” But he stepped closer.