Greed entered Latty’s father’s eyes. Eba was rich — very rich. But shame and hatred for Latty burned even stronger.
That night, hatred filled his heart.
“Before she brings me disgrace,” he said quietly, “she must disappear.”
That was why he took Latty to the bridge that day.
Now, deep under the river, Latty floated calmly, holding the mermaid’s hand. Strange glowing stones surrounded them. Latty felt warmth instead of fear.
“Who are you? Where are you taking me?” she asked softly.
The mermaid looked at her with eyes full of meaning but did not answer yet.
Above the water, Latty’s mother’s cries grew louder as more villagers joined the search. Some walked toward the river, some toward the bridge. The sun slowly climbed higher, shining over secrets and lies.
Deep under the river, the mermaid suddenly stopped swimming.
She was still holding Latty’s hand, but her body became stiff. She listened.
The water around them felt too quiet. No movement. No singing. No other mermaids passing by.
Her eyes moved quickly in all directions as she hid behind a tall stone covered with green plants.
She waited.
Seconds passed. Then more seconds.
Everything became clear.
The mermaid’s face changed. She grabbed Latty’s hand tightly and pulled her forward. Latty almost cried out but stopped herself. Her heart began to race. She could feel fear again, stronger than before.
“What is happening?” Latty asked, her voice shaking. “Where are we going? Who are you? Please?”
The mermaid did not answer. She swam fast, faster than before, dragging Latty through the water.
Latty’s free hand stretched forward, touching nothing but cold water. Her mind was full of questions. She was blind, underwater, breathing as if it were normal, and following a stranger whose world she did not understand.
