Aria spent her whole life believing she was just like everyone else-ordinary, with nothing out of the ordinary world. That all changed the day she made the choice to visit Mako Island.
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'When the world feels like it's falling apart, I still believe in the light.'
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Aria's POV:
I sat in the grotto with Lyla and Principal Rita as I flipped through a magazine, barely paying attention to the pages.
Suddenly, Sirena walked in, a bright smile lighting up her face. "I finally finished," she announced, her excitement palpable.
I tilted my head to see her holding a stunning green shell, intricately carved with two mermaids entwined in a graceful dance. "What do you think?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with pride.
I sat up straighter, fully focused on her creation. "Wow, Sirena, that's beautiful!" I exclaimed, unable to hide my admiration.
"Thank you, Aria!" Sirena beamed, her face lighting up with joy as she turned to Rita. Just then, Nixie walked in, a hint of curiosity etched on her features. "I used one of the shells from here; I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all," Rita replied warmly, her eyes softening at Sirena's enthusiasm. "There's plenty of shells around. What's it for?"
"It's for my sister, Aquata," Sirena responded, her voice filled with pride. "I make one every year for her. She'll recognize it instantly."
Nixie scoffed, crossing her arms as she leaned against the grotto wall. "What's the point, Sirena? It's not like Aquata's ever gonna get it." The comment hung in the air, heavy with a mixture of skepticism and concern.
"Why are you saying that?" Sirena's smile faltered, her eyes reflecting a mix of confusion and hurt.
"Face facts, Sirena," Nixie retorted sharply, her tone cutting through the air like a cold breeze. I frowned at her response, sensing something deeper beneath Nixie's words. It was unlike her to give up like this. "We've got a guppy's chance in a whirlpool of ever getting back to the pod. We're never gonna see them again."
"Why would you say something like that?" I questioned, a frown creasing my forehead as I glanced at Sirena, whose bright smile had faded into uncertainty.
"I know you're having a bad day, but don't feel compelled to share it with us," Lyla snapped at Nixie, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface. The tension in the grotto felt palpable, and I could sense that this wasn't just about the current situation.
"I don't care what you say," Sirena shot back, her eyes narrowing as she faced Nixie. "I'm making this for Aquata, and it's going to reach her." Her voice was filled with determination, a flicker of hope igniting in the depths of her gaze.
"Who knows how far a tide might carry it?" Rita chimed in, attempting to inject a bit of optimism into the conversation.
"Not as far as the South Pacific," Nixie scoffed, crossing her arms defiantly. "I'm just telling it like it is. We should get used to staying here, maybe forever."
