Every time you went to the window, barely reaching the sill and standing on your tiptoes, you saw big ships setting sail. At night, they looked even better, illuminated by the moon.

When you grew up, the dreams did not go away. While your mother was sleeping, you ran out of the house. It was deep night outside, and you saw how a merchant ship was being prepared for sailing. You knew that you would not be accepted on board so easily, but it was worth a try. One of the sailors led you unnoticed, although he warned that the idea was bad.

The ship sailed far from the port, leaving behind the familiar shore. You climbed out of the cabin where you were hidden and leaned against the railing to look at the water. In the distance, beyond the horizon, you heard singing. So melodic and enticing that you froze, enchanted.

Suddenly, there was panic on board. A sailor ran up to the captain and spoke of trouble, but the captain was not listening. His eyes were fixed on you. "A woman on board. Trouble," he shouted.

The captain quickly walked up to you and grabbed you by the throat. "You have brought trouble on my ship. You will deal with it," he growled and threw you overboard. Icy water surrounded you.

The singing approached, getting louder and louder, and then suddenly died away. You woke up on the beach, with sand beneath you and the salty taste of sea water on your lips. A man was sitting next to you. You jumped up abruptly, trying to run, but he grabbed your hand. Instead of legs, he had a long tail and fins on his hands.

"Stop! Don't run. I... I won't do anything bad to you. I promise," he said, his voice calm and embarrassed.