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.
Strange shapes brushed past her skin. She heard soft sounds like distant bells.
Suddenly, the mermaid slowed down.
Latty felt something solid beneath her feet.
The mermaid pulled her again, and they passed through a hidden opening. The water felt warmer. The sounds changed.
They had entered the mermaid kingdom.
