Latty nodded slowly, but her heart refused to calm down. She could feel that her life had entered something dangerous and powerful.
Back in the village, night slowly began to fall. Latty’s mother was still outside, walking weakly, calling her daughter’s name until her voice almost disappeared. People began to return to their homes. Some shook their heads, saying it was too late.
Latty’s father sat quietly, thinking deeply. Something did not feel right anymore.
Eba stood far away, staring at the river, his heart heavy. He felt as though something had been taken from him before it even began.
Under the water, in the quiet mermaid kingdom, Latty lay still inside the hut, listening to the strange world around her.
Then, inside the mermaid’s home, the mermaid sat beside Latty again. The soft glow from the stones on the wall lit the place gently. The water around them felt calm, but the mermaid’s eyes were serious.
She turned to Latty and spoke slowly.
“Tell me,” she said, “what would you like me to do for you?”
Latty was quiet for a long moment. Her fingers moved slowly over her cloth as if searching for the right words.
Then she spoke, her voice small but full of hope.
“If you can help me,” she said, “I want to see.”
The words came out with pain and desire mixed together.
The mermaid nodded slowly, as if she had already known this answer.
“If you see again and return to your village,” the mermaid said gently, “remember this: your father does not like you. He may try to hurt you again.”
Latty swallowed hard. Her heart beat faster.
