Do you believe in angels, mermaids, fairies and other magical things what's existence we can't prove? Well, I do and that's what this story is all about – a fantasy coming true. A sad story of forbidden love with tragic ending…

Lethal sun, envious moon

Cloud

My eyes were closed but I could feel that the boat was slowing down. I took a deep breath and familiar air filled my lungs – pine, seawater and a tender scent from my mother's lilies. They had just started to bloom. I didn't move when we finally docked and when Barret walked to me. "Sir, we are here. Sir?" He said almost whispering. I felt his strong hand on my shoulder and slowly opened my eyes.

I saw a white mansion built of the best marble, decorated with columns and brought to life with large white framed windows matching with the thousands and thousands of lilies growing freely all around it. The house was surrounded by a minimalist and unostentatious garden looking a bit unkempt since there hasn't been anyone taking care of it. Most of it was hidden behind the lilac hedge. With its large flat stones, green thick moss, geometric shapes, trees with pink and white leaves and small ponds it was a true getaway. I remember we used to call the island our little kingdom and the house "the gemstone castle" because it glitters in the sun and it's the only building on the lone island. Since it was almost nightfall the sun had turned "the diamond" and everything around it into a ruby.

Every summer I came here and forgot about the real world that was beyond the water. I could do all the stupid things here that weren't allowed in the real world or be someone who didn't exist in there. For me it was a magical place and all my wishes came true in here. I don't think its going to help me this time…

Barret's harsh voice brought me back from my thoughts. "Sir, we are ready to go." He was holding two large suitcases in his hands and he was waiting for me to stand up. I grabbed my staff and with its support I stood up. I took the first step. It was weak and forceless but I managed to stay on my feet. Barret wanted to help me but I raised my hand and held him back. "I'm fine."

And so I walked, slowly and carefully like an old man. I knew that I could walk normally again but it was going to take time. And I didn't know how much time I had left. Like the doctor said "You can do it; you are young and healthy, the chances are very high"...He practically lied but he had said it so many times to me that he probably started to believe it himself by the end.

We had reached the big heavy door and Barret opened it for me. I passed him refusing to look into his eyes but I knew the look he had. Barret had always been too emotional to be a bodyguard but my father trusted him for that. I hated it -compassion and sad looks. They couldn't change anything, only reminded me my condition. As an addition I was refused to be left alone, the only thing I wanted...

I stepped into the large hall. The air was stuffy and all the furniture was covered with white sheets. I made a few steps and looked around. Everything was on its place, like I remembered it. Barett was carrying the suitcases upstairs and said something about the doctor and the maids coming in the morning but I was to busy with my memories. An image of a little happy boy came across my eyes. I could hear his laughter filling the rooms like falling pearls. I missed that feeling – being happy and without any worries, being a small boy again.

I started to walk closer to the fireplace. My steps were sounding back from the floor with a metal clatter after each two steps.

Above the fireplace was a covered painting. I reached for it and pulled of the sheet. An angel was looking down at me – my mother. She had the softest hair and the kindest blue eyes in the world. Suddenly I felt sad for myself, what I have never felt before. I was standing there looking at my mothers smiling face and I felt vain, useless and sad. I was cold but she…her last words were "Never give up, never!" I promised her that, I did, but now I had broken that promise.

I walked away from the painting with guilt. But you can't say that I haven't tried. I did everything they told me to do but it was just getting worse and worse and then I gave up…There was no point going on anyway.

I went to the glass doors and pushed them open. Warm air streamed in and falling suns red light reflected on my face. I heard footsteps behind me, it was Barret. "Your room is ready, sir. Can I do something else for you?" His voice echoed on the walls but I stayed quiet. "Sir?" He asked again and I stepped out on the porch. "I don't need anything, thank you. You can leave." He didn't move. He was probably thinking whose orders to follow – mine or my fathers. I knew he had said Barret to guard me every minute. "Your father-" He managed to say but I stopped him. "Yes, I know but do you really think that I would go somewhere? I can barely walk and if you would excuse me now, I need to be alone."

"Yes, sir...I will be around." He waited a second before he left. Another thing I hated- being treated like a child.

I sighted and continued closer to the water. The sky was redder than ever, the water and the forest were in flames for a second just before the sun completely disappeared. I have seen it thousands of times but every time it was different. I loved it, the bridge between the day and the night. It was incomparable with the sunsets in the towns. I was glad to get out of there, assemblage of people, concrete, metal and tears. For me it ment only pain, medicine and operations, useless words and sad looks.

Behind me were some benches and I sat down. I sat there until the sky was covered with bright stars and my head started to ache. I had forgotten to take my pills, they were in my pocket. I took out the jar and I wanted to throw it away. For now the pain was bearable but tomorrow it would have gotten worse so with disgust I placed two tablets in my mouth and swallowed them down.

'Are you happy now? Are you?' I didn't know how many times have I asked this question but no one never answered. I used to ask "Why?" but there was also no answer. There was only silence and pain. I had stopped looking culprits long ago because there was no one to blame. I can only blame myself for being cold and independent, refusing any help. That's who I am now…I sighted again and looked my watch. It was ten to twelve. I hadn't noticed how the wind had gotten colder and the moon was now lighting the sky instead of the sun. I looked the water and the waves and then I saw something in the sea– it was a big sparkling fishtail. It was glimmered in the moonlight as it broke the surface of the water. I looked closer and when it came to the surface again I realized that the tail belonged to a creature with a human body. I was a young woman with long dark hair. It looked like she had noticed me and she disappeared as fast as she had appeared.

I closed my eyes and looked again to be sure I wasn't dreaming but whatever she might have been - she was gone. Maybe I was seeing hallucinations…who knew what it was. It was late and I needed some sleep. I stood up slowly and walked to the house. At the door I turned around and looked the water but there was no sight of her so I stepped in and closed the doors.