"Soon, the exhibition of the first mermaid to be found in over twenty years will open to the public. I hope you are all awaiting the grand entrance of our newest addition, Ana!"
"Ana's the first mer to be on stage in years, after being saved from a fishernet."
"Who knew we were ever going to see a mermaid again? Not in movies, not in old video footage, but in real life? Right in front of our eyes, one of the most beatiful creatures this world can offer!"
"We can't believe a mer got cought in a fishernet, and a live one at that!"
"It's story is truly heartbreaking, poor thing. At least it won't have to worry anymore, now that it's safe, the pretty thing."
***
Addition. Ana. Creature. Live one. Poor thing, pretty thing.
What you are talking about is a person. A person, just like any human.
A kid.
Tell me, would you want your kid to be put on stage for others to watch after it got kidnapped? After no one even tried to look for you, the parents?
I have been on display for the humans as long as I can remember. I'm nothing but a trained seal, a show pony. Something to "ooh" and "ahh" at by young and old their hands and faces pressed against the glass of my prison.
I follow every order. I obey every command.
I have to, though I resent his control over my life with every fiber of my being. If I disobey, if I become too much of a problem, he may give me exactly what I wish for.
He may let me return.
-This story has depictions of violence, depression, panic attacks, gore. Please read at your own discretion-
Highest rankings thanks to all of you wonderful readers! :
#5 in "Mermaid"
#17 in "Sirens"