A Merman's Tale

Fates: Chapter Forty-Six

Margaret

It was my last day on land.

No.

It would not even be a day anymore. I only had a few hours left.

I knew that I was leaving Grasveld Aisles tomorrow but the gravity of my decision had not weighed in on me until Prince Erwann appeared. Somehow, I had been thinking that tomorrow meant about a hundred more days on land.

Visiting my friends for the last time was a little difficult to explain but they all accepted my reason for coming--that I bumped into Seirra who insisted that I give him a tour and we were simply passing by. All their knowing stares and questions were enough to make my blush permanent but I tolerated the teasing because I knew that I was going to miss all of it.

I was going to miss all of them.

Nobody found it unusual that I hugged them when I was saying goodbye. I could not be more thankful that Seirra's presence seemed to comfort me and that his hand holding mine were enough to keep my emotions at bay. If it wasn't for him, I would most definitely be suffering from an emotional breakdown.

I never thought it would be this difficult to leave without letting anyone know.

When it was time to see Robert, however, I could no longer hold back my tears.

He opened the door for us and was completely surprised that we chose to visit him after dark. It took him a few more seconds to realize that I was already crying and he immediately assumed that Seirra was the cause.

"What the hell did you do to Marge?" he gritted through his teeth as he grabbed Seirra by the collar.

It looked a little awkward because even though Robert was tall, Seirra would always be taller. And well--bigger and fiercer.

"Rob, he didn't do anything, I swear," I said, grabbing at his arms to remove them from Seirra's shirt. "I just--Can I please hug you?"

He was so stunned by my request that he failed to give any sort of response. Besides, it was not as if I gave him a chance to say no because I already had my arms around him as soon as I finished my question.

That was when he knew what was happening.

He tightened his hold on me and was silent for a full minute while I cried my eyes out.

"I seriously wish I didn't have to forget you but since that's the way it would be, I guess I just have to wish for you two to be happy," Robert said as he pulled back and released me.

He extended his hand to Seirra as a sign of camaraderie. I knew Robert was fascinated by the merman's existence but it was clear that his offer for a handshake meant more than just a call for friendship. He was letting the merman know that he trusts him as an equal.

"You're an important friend to Marge. Thank you for that," Seirra told him in all seriousness, acknowledging Robert's trust in him.

"It's nothing, really. Just make sure she'll stay happy."

It was a reminder-or warning-that Seirra accepted with a smile.

"I hope you won't forget me," Robert told me as his eyes glistened.

"I won't," I promised him. "And I know someday, you'll find someone worthy of everything that you could give."

He looked away and blinked to keep his eyes dry, and then finally gave us a huge grin.

"I sure hope so too," he said. "I wish you both a good life," he told us as he moved to close the door.

"Thank you, Robert," I replied. "For everything."