Then, she had to deal with the fabric shaped like a foot. She pulled them over her toes, after several failed attempts. Then, the shoes. Those were easier. They were a little bigger than her feet, giving her room to move her toes. She’d found enough of them floating in the water throughout her years to understand they were protection for feet against the harsh terrain. There was so much these humans had to do to survive, she wondered how they would fare in the ocean. They probably wouldn’t last long.
A satisfied smile crossed her reflected face. The clothes made her look and feel more like a human. The fabric was soft against her body, but not as comfortable as the movement of the water across her skin. It would do for now, and she was no longer shivering. After she claimed her sacrifice, she’d never have to wear clothing again. The pearl necklace glittered against the light, and she quickly tucked it under the shirt. It was her only possession, and she had no idea what would happen to her legs if she took it off. Images of Daryah’s legs turning back into a tail filled her mind. Then came the screaming.
Pearlina shoved the door open and tumbled out of the bathroom, willing the screams to stop. The room was empty. Mrs. Jones moved around the other room, preparing the food. Pearlina glanced around the area for insight into the human mind. There were images on a wooden shelf above a brick part of the wall with an opening. A sharp scent filled her nose as she neared it. Fireplace. It wasn’t pleasant or unpleasant, but somewhere in between.
The still depictions of life beckoned to her. Photographs. Humans were able to capture the essence of their physical form in that way. The older generation warned the younger ones about avoiding the possibility of humans stealing their spirit. If captured in the pictures, they would no longer be safe. The humans couldn’t know of their existence in their true form, or else it would prove a threat to the troop.
‘Food’s up,’ Mrs. Jones said from the other room.
The older female sat on a chair at the table, her eyes sparkling and hopeful.
A sweet scent made Pearlina’s mouth water. She couldn’t take her eyes off the source, resting on a plate. She grabbed a part of the food and took a tentative bite. Flavors exploded in her mouth, and she nearly choked as she breathed them in. A sweetness coursed over her tongue while a familiar saltiness swept through on top of it.
‘Hold on there,’ Mrs. Jones said. ‘Have a seat. Stay a while.’
Pearl licked her lips, savoring the food. She studied Mrs. Jones and situated her legs into a seated position.
‘What’s your name?’ Mrs. Jones asked. ‘I’m sorry I didn’t ask earlier. I wanted you to get inside first.’
‘P-Pearl—’ Her tongue stuck on the last part.
‘I haven’t seen you around these parts before, Pearl,’ Mrs. Jones said, cutting her off.
The shortened version of her name sounded both pleasant and strange. Pearl. Pearl lifted the muffin from the plate, not meeting the human’s eyes. Mrs. Jones had cut it in half, and there was a yellow sheen to the cut side.
Her new name gave her a temporary life on land.
‘I’m visiting,’ Pearl said before stuffing her mouth with the muffin.
‘With who?’ Mrs. Jones asked.
Pearl’s eyes flashed.
‘Reason I ask is that The Burrow is a small town. Most of us know each other. Visitors don’t come into town much during the off-season without us noticing.’
Pearl didn’t like the way Mrs. Jones’s gaze raked over her face as if memorizing each detail. She looked down at the hard, circular dish in front of her and took another bite of the muffin. It soured against her tongue.
Mrs. Jones stared at Pearl as if she were waiting for more of an explanation. It was hard enough for Pearl to communicate with her mouth instead of her mind. This human had given her food and clothing. She owed her something in trade. Answers, false truths, would be enough.
‘I’m traveling alone,’ Pearl said.
‘How did you end up naked in the water?’ Mrs. Jones asked.
Pearl remembered the boats and the sunken ones throughout her travels under water.
‘My boat broke.’
‘Your boat sunk?’
Pearl nodded. ‘I don’t have anything left.’
Mrs. Jones leaned forward, touching Pearl’s arm. The older female’s eyes swam with liquid. ‘Honey, that’s terrible.’
‘I’m a good swimmer,’ Pearl said.
‘It’s great to have a positive outlook in the wake of such a tragedy.’
Pearl wasn’t sure where the change of attitude from the human came from, but a swell of lightness moved through her. Mrs. Jones seemed satisfied with Pearl’s story. Pearl pinched a crumb from the plate and popped it in her mouth. Usually, she ate many fish at a time during her meals, sometimes close to a dozen. Eventually, she would need more food but didn’t want to stay too long with Mrs. Jones. Pearl had no desire to take this human after she’d offered such kindness. There were plenty of humans in town. She’d choose one of them.
‘Did you graduate school? You look to be around my daughter’s age.’
Pearl nodded, having no idea why Mrs. Jones knew anything about schools of fish. Maybe it was her proximity to the ocean.
‘What are your plans for the future?’ Mrs. Jones asked.
Drown a human. Return home. She couldn’t say those things. Instead, Pearl shrugged.
‘Are you working?’
Pearl shook her head. ‘Those from my home value family above everything else.’
‘You’re close with your family?’
‘My sister,’ Pearl said.
‘I think you all are too young to decide big life choices at this age. There’s an entire world of possibilities out there, and this time is perfect for exploring and finding yourself. School wasn’t a possibility for me, but I did find this place and am happy to call it home. I met the love of my life here. God rest his soul. I’ve never looked back. Family is important, but sometimes you need to find it for yourself.’
Pearl sensed Mrs. Jones would continue to ask questions she had no clue how to answer. A crawling sensation, like coral brushing against her, snaked down her arms. ‘I should go.’
‘Not yet,’ Mrs. Jones said, standing. ‘Let me give you a few things. It’s the least I can do for allowing an old woman to take up your time.’
Pearl followed the human into a different room, farthest from the entrance. A bright color, unlike anything she’d ever seen, covered the walls. Mrs. Jones moved around, digging her hands into compartments, pulling out more items of clothing. ‘This should last you a few days.’ She hid them inside a bag and handed it over to Pearl. The two straps looked complicated, so she held one of them and allowed the bag to bump against her leg.
‘Let me get you some food and water. You probably need some money too.’
‘Money,’ Pearl said, sounding out the word. It was what humans used to trade for things. She’d heard