Mermaid Aquarium

My Name's Not Kelly

      "And this," the female tour guide said, gesturing to the semi-large tank, "is Kelly!  She is our newest mermaidic creature added to the Avalon Deep Sea Institute.  She was rescued off the shore of Santa Catalina just a month ago."
The tourists gaped and gasped at me as I swam through the water. I couldn't see the sun very well but I could feel it, and that gave me some hope.
     "Sirens, and their cousin species of mermaids, were added to the institute in 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Fishing boats reported seeing almost human-like fish in the ocean and investigations revealed these creatures. Sirens often are solitary and prefer to be alone, so it's rare to see them close to the shore of the island."  She waved the tour on as I watched from the saltwater tank I was held in.
It was truly pathetic how my kind was treated. Stuck in a narrow tank to be seen by all. The shore of Santa Catalina was once a haven for "mermaidic" creatures, as scientists called them. The island was secluded enough for them to be safe at night. During the day the shore would be crowded with tourists, making it less safe for us. Mermaids travel in pods, for protection and because we are very social creatures, however the institute tends to think we are solitary, like sirens, so we are often kept in groups of 2 or by ourselves.
     I've been placed alone in the tank because I was separated from my pod.  Santa Catalina was the only place I knew to to and they kidnapped me from the ocean.  They thought I was a siren because I was alone and that's what I've been branded as. 
     I watch as a gaggle of young school children crowd around the front of the tank, watching me.  Human children are repulsive and I don't understand how this species survives like this.  They seem to love their mythical creatures that have "come to life" to their little minds.  I let out a sigh as they leave, knowing that maybe, finally, I can get some rest at least.