A mermaid had been watching everything. Her eyes were sharp and glowing, her skin smooth like wet stone. She had seen many wicked humans, but this one made her heart burn.
She swam quickly toward Latty, who was already losing strength. Latty’s body was sinking, her movements slowing. The mermaid reached her and gently touched her nose.
“Breathe,” she said.
The word carried power.
Suddenly, Latty gasped. Air filled her chest even though she was still underwater. Her fear paused. She opened her mouth again, and she could breathe.
Her body stopped fighting.
The mermaid held her hand firmly and pulled her deeper into the river — away from the surface, away from the bridge, away from the man who had tried to kill her.
Strange lights appeared around them as they swam, glowing softly in the dark water. The river became quiet, as if it were hiding them.
Latty’s father walked home with light steps and a happy heart. He felt free.
When he reached his house, he saw Latty’s mother standing outside, looking left and right. Her face was full of fear.
“Are you okay?” he asked, pretending to care.
“I’ve been looking for Latty,” she said quickly. “She has never left this house alone before. I asked the neighbors. I asked the children. Nobody has seen her.”
Her hands were shaking.
Her husband shrugged and avoided her eyes.
“I didn’t see her,” he replied. “Maybe she went somewhere.”
He walked inside calmly.
Latty’s mother felt something break inside her. She tied her wrapper tightly and began walking around the village, calling her daughter’s name loudly.
“Latty, my child, Latty!”
Her voice cracked as tears ran down her face. Villagers came out of their houses. Some followed her. Some shook their heads sadly. No one had an answer.
The bridge stood quietly in the distance. The river flowed as if nothing had happened. And the man who knew the truth sat inside his house, eating while a mother searched for her child.
Latty had been blind from the day she was born. From that same day, her father’s heart turned cold toward her. He always said she brought him bad luck. He said her blindness was a sign of disgrace.
Her mother cried many nights, holding baby Latty close, begging her husband to love their child. But he never did.
Instead, he took another wife, saying he needed normal children.
