Millions (#2)

Vellantes

Charles was waiting for Kurt on his rock, like always. He was stargazing lazily when a shooting star dashed past. He saluted it. It was nice to have someone join him.

"Thanks, Vellantes.", he murmured. Charles heard two faint voices a few yards away. The mermaid hopefully swam to where he heard it, hiding behind a rock.

He saw Kurt having a picnic with someone. His fins went back, that was their thing. Charles decided to wait until they were done talking to introduce himself.

"I heard that Russia has a good program.", the other person said. Kurt shook his head, "No more camps, Cindy. I can't go through that again."

The short, fit girl on the other side of the blanket sighed. "Well, you have to get fixed somehow.", she remarked.

"You know, Cindy, I'm starting to think that I can't be fixed."

Cindy swallowed a lump in her throat. "Of course you can. Just... just," she held his hands, "Here, we can just pray about it."

Kurt obliged, adjusting his seating before bowing his head. Charles furrowed his eyebrows in concern and confusion.

Cindy bowed her head, "Lord, I pray that you free Kurt from these demons that torment him, and that he won't ever be like this again. Thank you for healing him, and giving me the greatest boyfriend I could ask for."

Charles felt his jaw clench. He left, deciding to come back another time.

The next day, Charles' headache was gone and he was free to go back to work, which for him was a good thing. Work could distract him.

"All right, everyone. For today, there aren't any boats on route, so we'll focus on cleanup. Teams Stingray and Swordfish will be salvaging, while Lionfish and Tigershark will dispose of the corpses.", the captain reported.

"It sure is a fascinating boat.", Zoey beamed. Charles tilted his head, trying to see her perspective. The ship had gold pouring out of several treasure chests, but that was the only thing exciting about it. The sails were torn, mold was rotting the wood, and the mast was broken at the tip. "It looks pretty beaten up to me.", Charles replied.

Zoey studied the ship a little more.

"That's what makes it fascinating."