The Mermaid and The Boy ||Gureshin||

A Miserable Life?

I have been told many times, that horrible things dress themselves as something beautiful. Not only metaphorically but literally too.

When I was a child, my father always took me to the sea to collect shells; it was one of my favorite things to do. Sometimes I found very beautiful ones with some colorful designs, and if I was lucky, I could also find pearls too.

The sea was like a second home to me, I always wondered what kind of creatures were beyond the shore, what kind of treasures and secrets the ocean kept, but I never got to know. At least not yet.

  ✦ ✦✦

"Guren." 

I heard a soft voice calling my name. 

"Guren."

I heard it once again.

"Guren!"

The third time was when I finally snapped from daydreaming. My aunt was standing beside me.

"Breakfast is ready so go downstairs."

"What hour is it?"

"Nine am, now go downstairs, or your food will get cold."

I sighed, I wasn't really that hungry, but you know how women are, so I didn't hesitate to follow her orders.

"What's for breakfast?"

I always asked that question, even though I already knew the answer.

"Rice and miso."

Same as usual. 

I sat down at the table, staring blankly at the food.

"Aren't you going to eat?" My aunt asked. 

"I'm not hungry."

"That's what you always say."

"I swear I'm not-"

"At least eat a bit. You need to eat healthy."

"I am...I am..." I sighed once again, then took a spoonful of the miso soup, driving it to my mouth.

I took a few more, just to please my aunt who knew I didn't have a very balanced diet.

"I'm going out."

My aunt looked away from her food to look at me, a frown was showing off on her face.

"Are you going to the beach?"

"No." I replied.

Even though I knew that was a plain lie.

"Good." She said as the usual smile came back to it's place. "At least I know you're safe."

I nodded in response, taking the keys and shoving them inside my pockets as I walked out.

  ✦✦✦

When my feet touched the sand, I felt like I was in a whole new world.
I felt something that even I couldn't describe, but let's call it peace.

I sat down on a rock, watching the waves flow constantly while I thought:

"Why do I still love you after all you did?"

That question of course, was one that I asked myself everyday, and it not directed to someone but the sea. Why do I still love you after all you did?

I do not blame my aunt for disliking the ocean; it's understandable I guess.

You ask why?

Well, let's make it fast and simple.

My parents drowned when I was only 7 years old.