There was a mermaid in my pond. She floated there, eyes closed, her head above the water. I saw the green tail under the lily pads and ripples.
“Drown with me,” she said. She looked at me and smiled. Perhaps it was a joke.
“Why would I do that?” I asked.
“The spirits of the drowned are reborn into the sea. It’s a good death in that way.”
I kneeled by the pond and she flicked water onto me, making me laugh.
“I like the sea, but I’m too scared to die.”
“You won’t be scared. I’ll be holding you.”
She held onto my arm. I saw the shape of her muscles under h
Jasmine left the house and tucked her chin into her winter coat. This was good as it hid her insane mutterings both visibly and audibly. It was also very comfy.
“Um, okay,” she said to herself as she made her way down the street. “Everything’s okay. This morning is okay.” She manoeuvred around smeared dog-shit. “Gross. But gross. Everything’s okay but gross.” A man turned onto the street she was walking on. “Okaaay. Everything’s okay and gross and I’m going to die.” She made fists in her pockets, remembering to keep her thumb on the outside like Toby said. “I’