Here is a short story I wrote based on a picture--I couldn't find the picture, but I thought would share it anyway. I'm not too fond of this particular story, but you might enjoy it. It's only 401 words, so it can be easily read in one sitting.
Splash.
Splash.
The waves splashed against the wall, an unyielding constant against the stone of the pier. The water shimmered with shades of gold and orange in the light of the rising sun.
"Lillian, you don't want to do this," that was what everyone had said, their endless argument against her. She smiled at the water, her toes just touching the very tips of the rhythmic waves.
Her toes. She smiled broader, wiggling them deeper into the course sand. She had gone through with it, despite their warnings and threats.
"I'm not going to regret this," she smoothed the front of her shorts, still marveling at the beauty of having normal legs.
Her sister had been the most adamant, screaming at her as she left, "you stupid girl! You aren't meant to be human! You are a mermaid! The price of giving up everything you are isn't worth it!"
Lillian laughed softly. She wasn't a mermaid. Not anymore. She walked deeper into the water, letting the cool waves wash against her knees. It was glorious feeling, the way the water felt to her new skin.
She could still hear the water's song, the rush of the ocean air, the sound of each wave running against the beach. It was alluring, the only part of the life she had given up that still called to her. To swim with the dolphins, race the currents, breath in the cool water.
There was a small part of her that missed her former life. She waded deeper into the water, the waves reached over her waist, and soon where licking against her neck and she continued deeper. A delighted smile crossed her face; she wanted to know what it was like to swim as a human.
She pushed off the sand beneath her feet, gliding forward, deeper into the water. She kicked her legs and flailed with her arms, suddenly going under. She surfaced, arms splashing, legs churning, gasping for air.
Her expression was no longer one of delight. Horror lit her pale eyes as she struggled against the water that had once been her friend. It had once caressed her and soothed her, giving her freedom and joy. But it was no longer friendly. It burnt her lungs, searing her throat. It pulled downwards at her legs, drawing her under and into its dark, unyielding grasp.
Splash.
Splash.
The waves splashed on.
© Copyright Charity K, 2013
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