An Average Life: Resort

Part 5

Mira was sitting calmly in her cave trying to get some sleep, but every time she was about to doze off, she was awoken by the sound of Coral splashing. She eventually had enough, and swam over to her.

"What's wrong?"

"Everything." Said Coral. "Everything is wrong. I'm not supposed to be in a glass box. I'm supposed to be in the ocean."

She groaned, and paced her tank.

"They don't care about me here.. The water's too warm, the lights give me a headache, I have a shock collar, and I'm stuck in here with you! A glass box is no place for a mermaid!"

"I know you think that." Replied Mira. "But in the ocean you're alone. Here you have folks that care about you and take care of you."

"I know, but.. I want to be free. I haven't had freedom since.."

"Since forever?.."

"Yeah.. since forever."

Mira swam up to Coral and hugged her.

"W-What are you doing?.." Coral stammered.

"It's a hug." Replied Mira. "You've never had a hug before?"

"I.. I don't think so?.."

Coral hugged Mira back.

"I can't help you be free." Said Mira. "I mean, all I know how to do is leave the tank, but even then we're still trapped in here."

Coral nodded sadly.

"But.." Continued Mira. "Grace, Mary and Riley take care of us, don't they? They make sure we have enough food to eat, and that we get exercise."

"I guess.." Replied Coral. "But.."

"But what?" Asked Mira.

"I don't know. I'm sorry, I'm overreacting a bit.. Thank you."

Mira smiled. Suddenly, the room lights turned on, and Grace looked down into the tank. Mira and Coral poked their heads out of the water and looked up at her.

"We need your help." She said.

Meanwhile, Rocky was waiting until she was sure her parents were gone. She put on her shoes, and left the room, making sure she had the spare room key with her. She walked down the hallway for a bit, before she felt a tap on her shoulder. She flinched and spun around.

"Citrus? Skylar?"

"It was her idea." Said Citrus.

"You should've heard us coming." Chuckled Skylar.

"What are you doing here?" Asked Rocky.

"We're investigating the disturbance." Said Citrus. "Sounds serious, no?"

"It does. What all has happened so far?"

Nothing." Said Skylar. "Literally nothing. We're looking right now to see if the number of occupied rooms matches the number of guests that have booked stays."

"How are you doing that?"

"Asking for their IDs and proof they've booked a room. Boring as shit."

"Is there anything I can do?" Asked Rocky.

"For now just try and keep your family convinced that you're not working for us." Said Citrus. "Keep them and everyone else blind. Oh, and try not to let Chris see me like this. He'll start asking questions."

"I feel kinda bad hiding this from my family.."

"Don't." Said Skylar. "You're just doing your job."

And with that, the three separated. Rocky felt her phone buzz, and looked down to answer it. She had a message from Chris.

'We're coming back to the room. After we shower we're all going to dinner.'

'Okay, I'll get ready.' Replied Rocky

'Good see you in a bit 🎅🏿' Replied Chris.

Rocky looked at her screen, dumbfounded.

"Black Santa Claus?.." She said.