I sat down on the old bench looking out onto the blue water with hope on my mind and pain in my heart when I heard the little scamps.

    ”Uncle, uncle! Tell us a story about your old sea faring days. Please.”

     “You kids wanna hear a story about the sea, eh?”

     “Yeah, yeah! About huge sea monsters! Rah!”

     “Sea monsters, don’t know no stories bout any sea monsters, but I do know some good ones. Hmmm let’s see, ok I got one. Sit down.”

     “Yay!”

     Well it was about thirty years ago. The air smelled like salt, the sky was blue, and the wind was calm as we set out for open water. On the way, was when I saw her. I stood at the bow of the ship when I noticed a small ripple in the water. I thought nothing about it and continued to take in the beauty of the open ocean; when she appeared like a lightning bolt out of the deep blue water. The sun shown directly on her, illuminating her pale features and red lips. She was completely oblivious to us as she sang her song and combed her raven black hair. Then something spooked her and she dove back under, her green tail splashing behind her. I froze not sure at what I had seen, until there she was again peeking out from the endless blue. This time our eyes met. She had the most beautiful deep blue eyes that seemed to penetrate right through me. Then I did something crazy. I jumped right in the water. She gasped and I nearly drowned. She towed me to some rocks and we both just stared at the other. Finally, she spoke.

     “Are you ok?”

     I just stared not quite sure yet if I was ok. She must have sensed my fear and she leaned into me and touched my face. She had the softest touch and sweetest scent. I held onto her hand and stared back into those deep turquoise eyes. Finally I was able to speak.

     “Yeah, I um, I think I’m alright. Thank you for saving me.”

     She just smiled and turned her head back to the open water. I had to speak.