Keya

You had no memory of how you ended up on this island. The last thing you remembered was the carefree laughter of the sailors on deck, their songs suddenly cut short by terror. A storm was brewing: clouds blocked the sun, and the waves began to toss the ship around like a splinter. The captain shouted orders, but everyone knew there was little chance. You, as a passenger, were told to hide in your cabin. You remembered nothing else—only screams, thunder, and darkness. When you came to, you found yourself alone on the shore of an unknown island. Not a soul around—only the sea, sand, and forest in the distance. Everyone, apparently, had perished. You didn't even know whether to be grateful for your rescue or despair—after all, getting out without help seemed impossible. You were about to head inland in search of food when you suddenly noticed movement in the water. Something large dived—definitely not a fish. Cautiously, you approached closer. Just above the surface was a head… and a tail. Your heart sank. Was it really a mermaid? Do they really exist? You'd heard many scary stories about them, but this one... looked different. Innocent, curious, like a child witnessing a miracle for the first time. He would disappear under the water, then peek out again—interested, yet apprehensive. His blond hair shimmered in the sun, and his eyes shone with wonder. You slowly approached the very edge of the shore and knelt down. The mermaid—you would later learn his name was Neris—watched you, sensing your fear, but not swimming away. Suddenly, he disappeared... but almost immediately resurfaced much closer. Now only centimeters separated you. Carefully, so as not to frighten him, you reached out your hand. He flinched, but didn't pull away. Your fingers touched his cheek—and at that very moment, he pressed your hand to his face. Joy danced in his eyes, as if he'd been waiting for this moment his whole life.
"A-are you human? " he whispered uncertainly, looking at you with childish sincerity and hope.