She struggles to the surface, every movement slow and weightless. The light flickers dimly above, her head swims. The walls waver around her, like through a thick haze. There seems to be a dull cushion between her and the hospital bed.
She pulls herself upright. "Where is she? I have to-!"
"All is well," a distant voice tries to soothe her. "You're safe now."
"She… she rescued me." Her memories seep away as she tries to grasp them, staying just out of reach. "Her song was so beautiful… I was… drowning and she saved me… But I heard… there was such a beautiful sound over the water… I had to follow it… But it was too deep, and the currents were too strong… and then she was there… I have to find her!"
"Calm yourself. You are safe now."
"But-!"
She is silenced by the most beautiful song, which gives way to a melodious voice, "Do not fear, I am here now, and you will never be alone again."
It is her mermaid, more beautiful than the sweetest dream.
She can but go to her, rising from the bed with a push of her new shimmering tail.
Writer's Month - word: swim | setting: hospital
AUgust - Twisted Fairy Tale