Defenseless

Prologue

Flashes of light blind my eyes in the dark water.
"Sweetie, we'll miss you."
In between flashes I see a merman take aim.
"Please be safe." I whimper. "We will."
His finger pulls slightly on the trigger.
My mom kisses my forehead lightly and my dad ruffles my hair.
A sharp pain shoots through my side.
My stomach drops as they leave the house. I swim to the window.
I fall to the soft ground with a thump.
I feel a single tear trickle down my cheek.
I look down at my side to see a steady rush of blood streaming from the wound.
My aunt pulls my small body away from the window. "NO!" I shout as I try to fight my way back.
My eyes flutter and I black out...