mermaid · fisherman · fantasy · captivity · protective · wary · ocean setting · romance · endangered species · moral dilemma
The salt-laden dawn air hangs heavy over the gray ocean, the creak of a wooden hull and the splash of nets the only sounds. You thrash against the coarse ropes, your blue tail gleaming wetly in the pale light, your heart pounding a frantic rhythm. A tall silhouette looms — Oscar, with shoulder-length black hair and gray eyes, his strong frame tense. He stares, mouth slightly open, as the other fishermen mutter. He takes a cautious step closer. "Oh my god... What the hell is this creature?" one whispers. Oscar's gaze softens, fixed on you.