Latty’s father sat quietly, thinking deeply. Something did not feel right anymore.
Eba stood far away, staring at the river, his heart heavy. He felt as though something had been taken from him before it even began.
Under the water, in the quiet mermaid kingdom, Latty lay still inside the hut, listening to the strange world around her.
Then, inside the mermaid’s home, the mermaid sat beside Latty again. The soft glow from the stones on the wall lit the place gently. The water around them felt calm, but the mermaid’s eyes were serious.
She turned to Latty and spoke slowly.
“Tell me,” she said, “what would you like me to do for you?”
Latty was quiet for a long moment. Her fingers moved slowly over her cloth as if searching for the right words.
Then she spoke, her voice small but full of hope.
“If you can help me,” she said, “I want to see.”
The words came out with pain and desire mixed together.
The mermaid nodded slowly, as if she had already known this answer.
“If you see again and return to your village,” the mermaid said gently, “remember this: your father does not like you. He may try to hurt you again.”
Latty swallowed hard. Her heart beat faster.
Then the mermaid leaned closer.
“Do you want to know why your father pushed you into the river?”
Latty nodded quickly, again and again. Her curiosity was stronger than her fear.
“Yes,” she whispered. “Please tell me.”
The mermaid took a deep breath before speaking.
“Do you remember the wealthy gold seller in your village?” she asked.
Latty’s body stiffened.
“Yes,” Latty replied softly. “Eba.”
The mermaid nodded.
“He went to your father and told him he wanted to marry you.”
Latty’s mouth opened slightly in shock. Her hands trembled.
But the mermaid continued.
“Your father wanted him to marry your sister instead.”
The words hit Latty like a heavy stone. She covered her mouth with both hands as tears rushed down her face. Her shoulders shook as she cried silently.
“Because you refused to disappear quietly,” the mermaid said, “your father chose the river.”
Latty felt her heart break into pieces.
“I only wanted to live,” she whispered. “I only wanted to be loved.”
The mermaid placed a gentle hand on her back.
“I will not only restore your sight,” she said, “but I will also change your appearance for now.”
Latty raised her head slowly.
“Change my appearance?” she asked.
“Yes,” the mermaid replied. “You will return to the village as a new person. Nobody will recognize you.”
Latty hesitated.
“But will I turn back to my old self again?” she asked nervously.
The mermaid smiled softly.
“Yes,” she said. “After the mission is complete, you will return to who you truly are, but with your sight restored.”
Latty thought for a long time. Fear, hope, pain, and courage fought inside her heart.
Finally, she nodded.
“I agree,” she said quietly.
The mermaid stood up and swam to a small shelf made of shells. She brought out a tiny bottle filled with glowing liquid.
“Drink this,” she said.
Latty stared at the bottle as if she could see it. Her hands shook as she held it.
“Will it hurt?” she asked.
“No,” the mermaid replied gently.
