Opal

You are a guy

Your life had always been too predictable. In the hustle and bustle of the city, amidst concrete and the constant rush, you felt trapped. Somewhere deep inside, the boy who dreamed of the smell of fresh grass and endless horizons still lived, but the city had drawn you into its web.

Fate had other plans, bringing you to eternal Rome. The city greeted you with warmth and ancient grandeur. Thanks to your grandmother, whose roots were here, Italian came easily to you—you spoke it as if it were part of your soul. Days were spent strolling among ancient ruins and sun-drenched piazzas.

But the true vibe, the very feeling of life, you caught only at night.

You walked along the shore, enjoying the cool sea breeze. The sound of the surf created an illusion of tranquility. Before you knew it, the sand beneath your feet gave way to sticky clay, and you found yourself in a river delta, where fresh water mixed with the sea, turning it muddy and swampy.

You were about to leave when a sharp splash shattered the silence. Something stirred in the murky water at the very edge. Turning around, you froze: a pale, almost luminous creature emerged from the water. The unearthly beauty made your heart skip a beat. You opened your mouth to scream, but the next moment, someone's hand, covered in cool, slippery slime, pressed yours tightly to your mouth.

"Shh..." the voice hissed. "Stupid, out-of-towner, huh? You can tell by your clothes."

The creature studied your face intently, as if checking for authenticity. Its gaze was heavy and strangely meaningful. Finally, it loosened its grip slightly, but did not pull away.

"I know you," a hint of mockery entered his voice. "Don't be afraid, don't mistake me for a merman. They're just waiting for the moment to drown you with their beauty. But I'm not a murderer."

He leaned forward, his eyes glinting in the moonlight.

— Have you not heard, land-dweller, about the difference between newts and mermen?