𝓢𝓮𝓮 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓐𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷, 𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓭𝓪𝔂

#3

Grandma's suspicion grew too intense.

One day, Lia asked Aquia to reveal her mermaid tail. Aquia nodded, and suddenly her foot started transforming into a fin, and her legs turned into a tail. It was exquisite, with a greenish-blue hue. Aquia looked like a real mermaid, mesmerizing Lia with her beauty.

As Lia and Aquia enjoyed their time together, someone approached them from behind. "Oh, I see, so this is the matter," said a voice. Lia was startled and turned around to find her grandma standing there. Aquia also turned, looking surprised, and said, "Anna, Anna." Grandma glared at Aquia and reminded her that she had instructed her to stay hidden, as it wasn't safe for her to be outside. Lia was confused and looked at both Grandma and Aquia, sensing the seriousness in their expressions.
Aquia then repeated "Edward, Edward." Grandma sighed and walked toward them. Aquia wasn't afraid; it was as if she was familiar with grandma. When Grandma approached, Aquia jumped and hugged her. Lia couldn't understand what was happening. Grandma patted Aquia and told her it wasn't safe for her, urging her to go back. Aquia insisted, saying, "No, Edward, Edward." Grandma sadly informed her that Edward was dead. Upon hearing this, Aquia's face showed shock, unable to express her feelings. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she cried out, "Edward, Edward." Grandma began crying too, and Lia watched them from the side, feeling heart broken.

Grandma then introduced Lia to Aquia, explaining that Edward got married and had Lia as his daughter. She whispered something in Aquia's ear, and Aquia glanced at Lia before walking toward her. Aquia held Lia's face, kissed her forehead, and softly said, "My daughter," then turned toward the sea and disappeared beneath the waves.

As Grandma watched Aquia vanish into the sea she looked sad, Lia felt utterly confused. She questioned Grandma about what had transpired and what she had whispered to Aquia. Grandma scolded Lia for not listening and remained silent about the whispered conversation. Curious about the exchange, Lia decided to seek answers from Aquia.

The next day, Lia waited for Aquia, but there was no sign of her. The silence was deafening. Lia waited for an hour longer, but Aquia didn't appear. The following day, Lia waited again, but Aquia never came. It was as if Aquia had been a dream, and now that Lia had awakened, Aquia had vanished forever.
Lia waited for Aquia every day for a month, but Aquia never returned.

Lia felt both sad and angry. She confronted her grandma, blaming her for Aquia's disappearance. Grandma remained silent. Frustrated, Lia threatened to jump into the sea to find Aquia, even if it meant risking her life. Reluctantly, Grandma admitted that Aquia would never trouble them again. Unsatisfied, Lia filled Grandma's ears with questions until Grandma finally relented. She took Lia to an old storeroom filled with dust and insects, where she searched for a book. Grandma explained that even Lia's dad also had a habit of writing diaries and handed one to Lia. Then she retrieved an old, dusty box and instructed Lia to open it herself. Lia was shocked when she saw a picture of her father as a young boy, with Aquia standing beside him.

So, what is the truth behind this mysterious connection between Lia's father and Aquia?