I'm not sure what to expect when I break the surface. Whatever I should've expected, though, is probably nothing like what's there. The human is looking at me with a wide grin stretching over its face. It looks like it wants to come closer to me, but it keeps its distance. It's almost as if the human didn't want to scare me away.

Which is reasonable. I can't say I wouldn't have fled if it had tried to approach me. So I appreciate it not rushing up to me.

"Y'know, I've only ever read about mermaids," it states. "It's really different meeting one in person."

I look down and watch my hands as I play with my fingers under the water. There are so many things I want to ask this human, so many things that I want to know. But, even though I've had little conversation experience, I know the basics of how one should go. I can't just start asking questions.

"I don't know what 'redding' is, but the same goes for you humans," I tell it quietly. I don't mention that the only things I've heard are bad things, though. I don't think it needs to know that. I look up towards the human after I gather the courage to ask my questions. "I'd really like to—"

The human bursts out laughing. My eyebrows scrunch together. Had I said something funny? I don't remember saying anything that could be considered funny.

"Why are you laughing?" I ask it. Do humans not know how to be polite?

"I'm sorry it's just—" it stops to breathe. "Do you know how to speak English properly?"

Obviously humans don't know how to be polite.

"I am speaking English," I say indignantly. I can feel the fins on the side of my head spreading out in embarrassment. Had I said something weird?

"Yeah, but it just doesn't seem like it's your first language," it tells me. Of course it isn't, I think. Humans don't seem very smart.

"No, my first language is the one I speak with my people," I inform it. "I have picked up some English and other languages over the years." It smiles at me.

"Maybe I can teach you a bit more," it offers. Then it starts swimming towards its ship."Besides, we both wanna learn more about each other right?"

"How are you supposed to teach me if you leave?" I ask, swimming along with it. It continues to grin at me.

"You're going to come with me of course," it tells me as if it's obvious. I become confused.

"I cannot leave the water though," I say. It laughs again and looks me in the eye.

"Then I'll get you something to soak in," it offers.

We're closer to the ship now, and I feel a nervous excitement. I could go with this human and never be alone again. I may even meet more humans! It's scary, thinking about leaving home. But I can't help but want this. I want something new, the ocean is too lonely and huge. On a ship with humans, I could have real friends. My heart swells at the idea of friends, not just passing by someone at random.

I nod.

The human grins at me, tells me to wait where I am, and climbs back onto its ship.

I'm so so sorry about how long this took me to get out and how short it is but i have nothing right now

i'm trying tho