Daughter of the sea

  "Mermaids, would you believe me if I told you that these wonderful creatures once existed in the face of the Earth? They look almost human-like only that they have a shining shimmering tail as their feet. And you know what's more magical? The water changes color depending in their emotion!" The children clapped, their eyes filled with amazement.

"Mermaids and humans had a very peaceful and harmonious relationship before. Remember Aling Chachi, our late school keeper? She used to collect butterflies for the mermaids and in exchange they'll give her pearls and let her ride dolphins. They also sing together and the mermaids would always envy her for being able to dance with her feet"

"Oh, I want that too!" A girl yelped. "I want to be friends with them, I'll bring them my favorite cookies!" A little boy said, eyes glistering with determination so strong, he'll move a mountain if he had to. A little shy girl in the corner slowly raised her hand, "Teacher, where are they now?" She asked softly. For the first time today, the smile on my lips disappeared.

"That's when the bad people came into the picture; they tried catching them to sell them to carnivals and for researchers to study. They wanted to imitate mermaid's ability to live under water. People thought of themselves as the most intellectual and superior creatures and they wanted to live above everything else. They wanted all of the water, air and land solely for themselves. They even wanted to dominate the universe! So poof! Gone are those wonderful creatures to only God knows where. Who knows, maybe they are one of us. You may not see them with your eyes but," I pointed the side of my forehead, "but here in our minds, they are alive." I then pointed my left chest, "and here in our hearts, they'll stay forever along with the magic they hold with them."

"Aww, I still wish I'll meet one though." A girl uttered sadly.

"Oh silly, you already did." I whispered to myself as I look down to a pair of feet like Chachi's that I've always envied, regretting the time that I'd wish for them and they were given to me.