Serenitatem

Prologue

The night was peaceful. A crescent moon, like a charming smile, reflected on the surface of the black ocean. No one save a few fish were witnesses to a magical event- the gift of life. A young- looking mermaid was in the process of giving birth. It was a moment only shared between mother and child. When the worst was over, she lifted her child up and his tiny head broke the surface of the water. She smiled in relief as he took his first gulps of air.

He was beautiful. Even in the moonlight, the mermaid could describe her merchild's appearance. Pale skin, blond hair like hers, green eyes like his father's. And where was he? Probably back with his colony by now. Never knowing what became of his child. That was to be expected. Mermen did not remain after their mate became pregnant. Even so, she wished he was here to see what their love created.

After nursing her child, speaking words of comfort, and stroking his hair, she returned home. Her friends were there to congratulate her on a successful birth. The mermaid smiled and acted happy, but she was already thinking about what was to come, even though it was two years away. She wished she had a daughter instead. A little mergirl who she could name and love forever.

Unfortunately for the young mother, two years passed all too soon. It was time. Night was the best for it, as he was less likely to follow her back. The mermaid took her time swimming to the surface. Her son, able to swim on his own now, was right beside her, trusting her completely. It was torture.

They breached the surface of the open ocean. The little merboy gasped as he sucked in air into his lungs. He gazed up at the stars, the moon, taking in the sight he had not seen since his birth.

Now. Do it now.

As silently as possible, the mermaid slipped back under and sped away as quickly as she could. She tried to focus on swimming but instantly a wail reverberated against her ears. It was such a powerful, saddening sound that she lurched in the water breaking her stride. The merboy was searching for her in a panic, wondering where she had gone. He would never find her.

The mermaid reminded herself that he would find a merman colony to take him in. Hopefully. The ocean was their life, but could also bring death. She could only pray he would survive. The mermaid, too young to be a mother, really, began swimming as fast as her tail could let her. The salt water washed away her tears.

She wished she had a daughter instead.