"Over there! Get yer nets ready boys!" The captain called.

Hard pellets of rain dropped down on the ten or so men. The hard push of the rushing waves rocked their boat but it didn't slow anyone down from readying the nets and awaiting the captain's signal.

Under the surface of the raging ocean was a quaint little coral reef. Beautiful shades of pink, yellow, and blue scattered the ocean floor. It was home to many. On a normal day, different species of tropical fish would be cruising the waters but now- they were all hidden in caves and under rocks, cowering from the giant metal boat looming above them that threatened to bring inevitable destruction to their home.

It was also home to merfolk and sirens.

"Samuel, listen to me," Papa spoke urgently. There was no trace of his usual lopsided grin, no trace of the giddy tone he usually spoke in, no trace of a brewing joke or prank he planned to play on Mama. "Mama and I have to go and help the merfolk but we need you to do something very brave for us, okay?"

The little siren nodded his head at his Dad.

"Take my compass and swim as fast as you can. Make sure the arrow is always pointing at the 'W.' When you reach the surface shift to your land fins. Remember the rules, never tell humans about your water fins. You understand, Sammy?"

"Are you and Mama going to come with me," the little siren asked.

Papa smiled but it wasn't the same, "we'll always be with you, Sammy." He hugged his son and Mama kissed him on the forehead.

"Find a human friend when you get there, Sammy," Mama said.

A knock sounded at their door, "James! Darcy! Hurry it up!" William, a friend of Samuel's parents, called. William would normally frysit* Sam when his parents were out.

His parents brought him into one last big hug, "We have to go now, Sammy. Go out the back door and don't look back. Keep following the 'W.' We love you our sweet boy," Mama said. They pulled away and waved at him before they rushed out the front door armed with tridents.

Samuel swam. Fast. Without looking back. Just like Papa had said. He followed Papa's compass, that was slightly bigger than a quarter, making sure the little arrow never left the W.

When Sammy reached the shore he shifted to his land fins. First thing on his internal to-do list was find some human clothes. It usually made humans uncomfortable to see one of their kind without clothes.

Mama usually kept a bag hidden somewhere around here that had a set of clothes for each of them in case any of them had to travel to the surface.

Luckily the beach was small so, Sammy only had to check three rocks before he came across the small rucksack. He pulled out a plain black T-shirt that was a little big on him and a pair of soft cotton shorts. They both smelt of sand and sea water. There were also a pair of sneakers but Sammy always hated the itchy feeling so he decided to pass on shoes and continue barefooted.

He was here. He did it. He followed exactly what Papa had said and now all that was left to do was to wait. He found a place to sit near this little food shack. He was able to see the entire beach from this angle so he wouldn't miss it when his parents came up to the surface. His eyes scanned the waters, searching for any sign of- well, anything- as he clutched his Dad's compass tightly in the palm of his hand.

Seconds went by which turned into minutes.

And minutes turned into hours.

One hour turned into two which turned into five which turned into eight.

The sun was beginning to set and soon it would be hard to see the water but the little siren stayed awake, despite the heavy feeling of his eyelids.

He refused to give up despite the aching in his stomach, begging him to eat something. And the goosebumps and shivers that shook his body as the icy wind crashed into him in waves.

Mama and Papa will be here soon, he thought. It was the only thing that kept the little siren awake all night. Soon enough the sun was rising and the beach was easier to see. People slowly started to gather and bustle around the boardwalk in their winter coats and scarves.

Sammy picked up bits of words and gossip here and there.

"I heard it'll snow later today," a woman said.

"So Stephanie walks in..."

"How may I help you?"

"Mommy look at the birds! Look!"

"I'll have two of the spicy tacos and..."

So many voices. So many distractions but Sammy kept his eyes on the beach even though they were struggling to focus. He kept dazing off before he caught himself, frantically scanned the beach in fear that he missed his parents, before relaxing again. The process repeated.

Until a man stood directly in front of him and kneeled down, "Look at you," he said, "where are your parents, little one?"

Sammy looked over the man's shoulder, to see the beach, "they're coming. They'll be here soon." He told the man with black, slicked back hair and cold icy blue eyes. He looked fancy with his navy blue suit and tie. The man looked to be in his early thirties.

The man hummed, moving his head so that Sam would look him in the eyes. "You look tired, little one. I bet you haven't eaten either. It's going to snow soon and there's no way you won't get sick. Wouldn't your parents prefer you were healthy and well when they come to get you?"

That made sense to Sam. Mama would probably scold him for not eating or sleeping. Papa would probably be really worried if he got sick and was alone. So, Sam nodded. "I don't know how to get food or where to go though."

"You could come to my home. It's warm there and I can make you some food. You can stay there until your parents come to get you. I'm sure they'll know where to find you," the man smiled warmly.

"Really?"

The man nodded, "My name is Reid. What about you?"

"I'm Samuel."

"How old are you, Samuel?"

"Eight."