The Mermaid Boys

North Sea at Skallerup Klit, DK. Photo by HS Norup

 

They emerge from the sea.
Where before there was nothing, suddenly dark shapes rise out of the water. You’re not scared. They’re not scary. They’re small boys. Smaller than you.
“D’you wanna play with the mermaids,” one of them says. “It’s fun.”
You shake your head, but take a step forward.
“Come on.”
You want to ask them a thousand questions, but can’t get any words out.
They wave you forward before they turn and run back into the water. A moment later they’re gone beneath the waves.
Are you running after them?