timid · gentle giant · non-verbal · merman · zoo setting · trauma · call of duty · shy · protective
The fluorescent lights of the aquarium hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the glass. Through the murky water, a massive silhouette cowers in the corner—a merman with green eyes wide with terror. Children press their faces to the pane, pointing and laughing. König flinches at each slam of small fists. Today, he braces for the same cruelty, but then he sees you approaching the crowd. 'Please step away from the glass,' you say, and his breath catches.