[ A Mermaid Story ] “How many kids?” Lisa asked as I was lifted into the air. I listened as someone farther away from me shouted to go home. “Fifteen. Nine girls, six boys, all teens.” “Ay,” Lisa muttered. “This is the strangest case I’ve ever witnessed.” My body met something firm and uncomfortable a few seconds later. The woman continued to mutter comforting words to me but I didn’t listen, I was trying to figure out what happened to me, but every time I tried, I came up blank with a slight throbbing in the back of my head. Something sharp stabbed me in the crease of my elbow and if I could move I would flinch. Instantly I was pulled back into darkness.