Capítulo 5: The Sea Caves (2)
As we finished eating, Papa and I decided to come out and breathe some fresh air. Papa lay down on a rock while I sat down on his lap. The view of the sea was serene and beautiful. Looking at the vast sea, a question popped into my mind.
"Papa."
"Why Brielle?" he answered while doing my hair.
"Is there another mermaid like me?"
For a moment, Papa didn't answer.
"No, you are the only one Brielle. Why? Are you sad about it?" Papa said with concern.
"Hmm...it just feels weird."
"Look at me, Brielle." I looked at Papa and listened intently to what he had to say.
"The thing that you think is unusual is what makes you special. You don't have to be like them because you are my Brielle."
Papa's sincere eyes were more comforting than the words. Now, all my worries vanished into thin air. Though the wind became colder, I felt warm inside.
***
The next day, we walked to the seashore. This place was an obscure area so there were no humans around. As we continued to stroll, I heard a child crying.
"Papa, someone's there!''
"So?" he said without the slightest ounce of care. "Look over there Brielle, there are a lot of shells."
Huh? I couldn't believe it; Papa really did not care. He smiled as if nothing was going on. "Papa, let's help him," I insisted, dragging his hand towards the direction of the cry.
In the end, Papa gave in. When we arrived at the location, we saw a boy whose age was around nine years old. He had curly chestnut hair, ink black eyes, and rosy cheeks. Oh! I know this child. He was the one who asked if the mermaid was real, the one in the storytelling with grandma.
"Papa, I know him. Let's help him, please," I pleaded with twinkling eyes.
"Sigh. Just this one, Brielle."
***
"Hey kid, stop crying. You are too loud," Papa said, irritated.
"W-Who a-are you?" the child asked with a crack voice.
"Tsk, you don't need to know. I will guide your way to the town. Hurry up, get up.
"The child seemed to be frightened by the way Papa talked. His legs were trembling and tears were flowing on his cheek.
"H-How can I be s-sure you are not ba-bad? Ma-Maybe you are trying to ki-kidnap me," the child bleated, quivering.
"Huh?? You think I prefer kids like you. What a cheeky child. Brielle, let's go. "Papa grasped my hand as he turned away.
"Wait, mister. I'm sorry! Please help me find my way out." Even though his eyes were puffy and his nose was reddish, he had now stopped crying. Maybe Papa's way of helping was effective since the child sought Papa's help.
"Heh, you now want the help of the kidnapper," said Papa sarcastically.
"Papa!" I looked at Papa's eyes, signaling that he should stop messing with the kid, instead help him.
"Okay, okay I will help him. Hey kid..."
The child's face was as red as a tomato while he stared at me. Maybe he caught a fever after being lost on the seashore. Poor kid, it must have been painful.
"Uhm, what is your name?" the child asked. Was he asking for my name or Papa's name? I looked at Papa and was startled by his reaction. He looked displeased.
"You don't have to know her name. What a shameless human child, you dare to approach Brielle." What was that? Why is Papa angry? And he didn't want him to know my name but he just said it. Papa is weird.
"Oh, her name is Brielle," the child said with a slight embarrassment.
Papa yelled fiercely, "Brielle, let's just get rid of this kid."
"No, we can't do that Papa!"
"...Fine. Follow us silently if you want to safely get out of this place," said Papa as glared at the child. Then he immediately carried me in his arms.
We started to walk in the golden sand. It was not until then we entered the dense forest. Once we entered, the sweet scent of the flowers and moist morning dew welcomed us. The chirping of the birds and rustling of the leaves filled the silence of the forest. Then, the child began to introduce himself and tell how he ended up on the seashore.
His name was Max. He and his parents were commoners and both resided in the town. It was his father's hunting day, so he insisted on accompanying him. He heard that the forest was near the sea, where the mermaid dwells. While his father hunted some animals, he sneaked to find the place. Fortunately, he discovered it, but there were no mermaids to be found. At that point, he realized he was lost. Until then, he cried as he searched his way out. And, when he almost lost hope, we came.
Later on, we can hear the bustling sound of the capital. Papa stopped walking, "Kid, we are here."
"Thank you, Mister and Brielle. Uhm… Brielle the festival will be held four days from now, if you want, I can accompany you," Max offered.
"Festival?" I heard it when I visited the capital to listen to grandma. Humans seem very excited when it comes to festivals.
"Yes! It will be fun. There will be fun games, food..."
"You're crossing the line. Brielle will not attend the festival. And, be sure that you will not tell anyone about me and especially Brielle."
"Ye-Yes Mister. Goodbye Brielle,'' Max said in a saddened tone.
"Goodbye Max," I said. When I waved my hand, Max's face became red again. Is he sick again? I think he needs treatment. Maybe his dad will get him treated.
We watched Max as he ran toward the town. His father burst into tears as soon as he saw Max. It was a touching scene. As soon as we ensured Max's safety, we went back home.
On our way home, I kept thinking about what Max said regarding the festival. Maybe I could go to the festival if I plead to Papa. The scent of the forest made me sleepy. I rested my head on Papa's shoulder and closed my eyes. Tomorrow, I will try persuading him.
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