Chase

I rose at dawn, just as the morning was breaking. The previous day's catch, lying in my basket, was neither pleasing nor inspiring any enthusiasm. Gathering all my gear, I leisurely made my way to the seashore. Casting my line into the water and setting my net, I prepared for a long wait. The locals had many tales of mermaids and other mysterious sea creatures, though I personally didn't put much stock in such stories.

A mermaid's life must have been full of adventure, but also constant danger. You've had to escape marauders and fishing boats a couple of times. You were finally caught once, through sheer carelessness: you were frolicking with your friends that day. If you lost the bet, you had to swim into the net and manage to escape. Yes, it was too risky and reckless. However, refusing and appearing like a coward would have been too shameful.

Spotting a net in the water, you cautiously swam closer, intending to just barely catch it and then swim away. But something went wrong: the net suddenly snapped shut, entangling you and pinning you in its heavy, slippery knots.

The fisherman jumped to his feet, ran to the fishing gear, and, pulling you onto the shore, smiled contentedly:

• Wow... This is a really valuable catch today.