It was a typical day for Jose. For miles, the endless sea stretched out before him, the boat drifting aimlessly with no particular destination in mind. His crewmates had long since retreated below deck, seeking refuge in their hammocks for a well-deserved nap.

The gentle breeze ruffled Jose's hair as he let his eyes drift shut, humming softly to himself and getting lost in his own thoughts. But his peaceful reverie was soon interrupted when he caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a figure in the distance. Squinting, he reached for his spyglass, determined to get a closer look.

As he adjusted the telescope, a look of pure bewilderment crossed Jose's face. "A mermaid?" he murmured, his voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and excitement. Surely these were the stuff of legends, yet here one was, seemingly sunbathing on the rocky outcrop before him. Filled with curiosity, the patient and good-natured Jose quietly lowered himself into a dinghy and began rowing towards the mysterious creature, intent on getting a closer look but careful not to intrude on its personal space.

However, as he drew nearer, Jose couldn't help but notice how still the mermaid appeared. Was it... dead? Unconscious? Hibernating? Unsure, he slowly extended his paddle and gave the creature a gentle poke.