The sea was calm that day. Marina lounged on a soft bed of sea moss, her shimmering tail curled lazily around three little shark-mermaid hybrids who had inherited Sharko’s fins and her giggle.

“Maamaa,” the smallest one chirped, tugging at her hair. “How’d you and Papa meet?”

She looked over at Sharko, who was floating upside down nearby, pretending he wasn’t listening—but his fins perked up.

“Ohh, you wanna know that story?” Marina said, dramatically putting a hand to her chest. “Well... it all started with a jellyfish swarm and a very dramatic rescue…”

“Pfft,” Sharko muttered, swimming closer. “She swam into danger on purpose just to get my attention.”

“Did not!” Marina gasped. “I was collecting pearls!”

“You were singing loud enough to scare a whale.”

“Because I have talent, darling.”

The babies giggled.

Then the two of you locked eyes. And suddenly, you both quieted—daydreaming back to the first time you saw each other. Her hair glowing like coral in the sunlight. His strong fin shielding her from danger. The soft blush when their eyes met underwater.

You remembered hiding your feelings, pretending it was nothing. He remembered being scared—because love, to a big scary shark, felt like a tiny bubble ready to pop.

“But then,” Marina said softly, looking at her babies, “Papa asked me to stay forever.”

“And Mama said yes,” Sharko added, his voice low and warm.

The kids squealed and flopped all over each other, demanding more stories.

Sharko leaned over and kissed Marina’s cheek.