"It's so good to finally meet you, Alberto. Luca has told us a lot about you," Daniela said as she served a few bags of seaweed in the turtle shell.

A few weeks after he and Alberto had met, Luca was discovered by his parents abandoning his duties on the farm. He told them that he hadn't been to the Surface (which was a lie since he and Alberto did explore the island above them.) Luckily it was uninhabited; according to Alberto, no human had appeared there for years. There were only remains of what seemed to be a human cave and other junk.

They spent most of the time appreciating the plants, breathing the air, and seeing the big shiny thing in the sky. Well- they felt it warm over them; every time they tried to see it, it burned their eyes.

And Albero introduced him to one of his favorite activities: jumping off a cliff, where the land ended, but it wasn't like on the shore where you could slowly descend to the bottom.

Oh no.

This was a straight fall.

"Take me, gravity!" Alberto always yelled before jumping.

When Alberto told him to jump, Luca thought it was the scariest thing in the world, but he just had to remember Silenzio Bruno! And it worked. When he jumped, he felt like never before, savage and invincible, which was a big difference from how he usually felt.

Unfortunately, Daniela and Lorenzo found out soon after; Luca convinced them he was spending the day at Alberto's place. After all, as crazy as Alberto was, not even he dared to spend the whole day on land, at less not until the Big Fish could fully rise. He apologized for abandoning his duties as a pastor and suggested inviting Alberto for dinner.

Daniela liked the idea; after all, she had to be sure the boy her son was hanging out with was good company. Lorenzo agreed with her, and grandma was delighted; she wanted to meet the lad her grandson talked about. She was more than his grandmother; she was also his roommate, so they used to talk at night, sure Daniela would not listen to them.

Those the five were gathered around the stone table, illuminated by the jellyfish. The dinner consisted of seaweed and fish that hung above the table in a bra made of bones.

"Please, Alberto, feel free to take as many as you like," Daniela mentioned, pointing to the fish.

"Thanks, Ms. Paguro."

She was very similar to Luca, with the same colors and head fins, but her jaw extended to the front, and she was a bit chubby. While Lorenzo was short and green, in addition to the fact that he seemed to have gigantic algae under his nostrils. Luca's grandmother was the most different of all; her colors were purple, the fins of her head were big, she was short, and her tail was tangled in a spiral, plus she wore a hat made of seaweed.

Alberto smiled, taking two fish, and Luca felt relieved; everything was going well.

Not that he didn't trust Alberto, it was just… he didn't know if Alberto's free spirit would go along with his mother's paranoia.

"Well, Alberto, Luca mentioned that you live with your father nearby, right?"

"That's right, but he's not around that much, so I'm on my own most of the time."

"Alone?" Daniela asked, looking at him with concern.

"Yeah, but it's no big deal," Alberto replied with a wave of his hand.

"He's very independent," Luca added.

Daniela bit her lip; one needed to know how to fend for oneself, but no matter how capable Alberto were-he was still a child. She knew that sometimes one needed to be stern with their child. But always remind them that they are loved, show them that you care, and above all… be there for them.

When she met Alberto's father, she was gonna have a good talk with him.

"And what do you do during the day?" Lorenzo asked as he devoured a fish in one bite.

"Oh well… you could say I'm an explorer. I search for things all over the ocean and then collect them. There are times when I even put them together."

"Interesting, and do you find any good stuff?" Grandma asked after devouring a pickle.

"Oh yes, there's interesting things to be found in these waters."

Alberto spent much of the evening telling his adventures and the things he had found. Luca was afraid that mom would lose her mind saying how dangerous he was and that she never wanted him to go with Alberto again.

"I should have planned it better," he thought. "Talk to him about what he should say and what not!"

But whenever he turned to see her, she didn't look angry, but… sad? That did seem off to him. He expected her to freak out and start a scene, but no; she seemed genuinely sad and did not take her eyes off Alberto.

"I know what he's doing is dangerous and that he could put Luca in danger, but- something tells me he does it because he feels lonely. Who wants to stay in a cave on their own all day? Is his father really that absent?"

Daniela couldn't help but feel compassion and concern for that boy. He had something that triggered her maternal instincts, and now that she looked at him... he was a bit skinny.

"If he is alone… does he have anything to eat? The sea is full of food if you know how to look for it, and of course, there are the other predators" she knew how difficult it was to eat if there was no fish farm and a harvest.

She noticed that Alberto was enjoying the food very much.

"Maybe this is the first thing he's had in a long time," so, before she knew it, she was serving him more seaweed.

"Please, Alberto, serve as much as you want."

Alberto looked at his plate and then at Daniela as if he felt embarrassed at the offer. A comforting smile from Daniela was enough to tell him that there was no shame and that he should feel at home.

Alberto smiled, and already becoming more confident, he began to take more fish.

Luca sighed in relief; things were going better than he had anticipated.

...

When dinner was over, Alberto suggested he should leave before it got any darker. Luca was a little disappointed; after all, the dinner had gone by incredibly fast, even if Alberto had more than one plate. But neither of his parents seemed to care.

But before his friend could leave, Grandma said she had a meeting at the Branzino's house to play with Bianca's mother.

"Mom!" Daniela complained.

But she just shrugged.

"Just because you and Bianca have your silly crab contest rivalry; doesn't mean Elena and I can't have fun."

Luca was speechless at that gesture; his grandmother winked at him before starting her swim toward the neighboring house.

Alberto was left speechless; he looked at Luca, just as surprised; Grandma had always been full of wonders; he knew that it was nothing new for her to take such sudden actions.

What he was worried about was how his parents would react.

Both boys turned to see the adults.

"So... Can Alberto stay for the night?" Luca asked shyly.

Alberto didn't say anything; he hoped Luca's family would accept. Just the idea of not spending a night in the cave... Just... He was excited about spending the night with his best friend, but he didn't think Lorenzo and Daniela would accept. He was still a stranger to them...

"I think it's an excellent idea," said Daniela, to Lorenzo's surprise and Alberto's delight.

"You do?" Lorenzo asked.

Daniela sent him a stern look.

"Oh... of course! We love the idea!"

Luca and Alberto smiled. Looking at each other unable to believe how lucky they were. Luca had to control himself not to start swimming with emotion right there. While Alberto... just felt something warm inside him, a feeling of...

Belonging.

"Well, let's get you settled, Alberto," Daniela told him, feeling glad that the boy wouldn't spend the night alone.

...

They went to the bedroom where Alberto took Grandma's bed; it wasn't hard for him to adapt since he usually slept on the floor. Even so, the company was what made it worthwhile. His best friend was just inches away.

Meanwhile, Luca felt happy; this was the first time he had a friend staying at home.

In fact, it was the first time he was excited because someone else would stay at home.

Before Alberto, he had not had many friends, just neighbors with whom he sometimes spoke or helped with chores; or some distant relative; like Uncle Ugo.

But none made him feel as good as Alberto; with him, Luca could be...a version of himself that Luca didn't even know, and one he loved very much.

"Please, make yourself at home, Alberto," Daniela told him once both boys had settled in bed.

"I will; thank you, Ms. Paguro."

Daniela smiled before turning around to swim to her room.

"Sleep well, boys."

"See you tomorrow, mom."

"Good night, Ms. Paguro."

With that said, she went out, and both boys waited until they were sure she was gone; then, they looked at each other and laughed.

"She wasn't that scary," Alberto told him.

"That's cause you haven't seen her angry," Luca replied, and they both laughed.

...

"Come on, Luca!"

"I'm right behind you!" he replied as he swam after him.

They were back in Alberto's cave, preparing for a new expedition to the island.

After that night, it had become usual for Alberto to spend more and more time at the Paguro house. Sometimes, Daniela found tasks to assign, so the duo spent the day completing them; other times, she was not so strict and gave them the day off. So there was variety.

It had also become customary for Grandma to spend the nights outside to let Alberto continue sleeping in her bed. Everyone was a little worried, and Alberto assured her there was no need for it, but grandma shook her head and said it was fine, that she had shelter.

When asked about it, she only replied that:

"I've always had a plan in case my daughter kicks me out of the house." Daniela was offended by this. While Luca and Alberto had to hide snickers behind their backs.

And it was one of those days off, Alberto suggested that they explore the island again in search of new human relics, and Luca agreed. He liked being out of the water from time to time, especially the feeling of warmness that the big shiny thing in the sky caused on him; submerged didn't feel the same.

"Oh, don't forget to bring the harpoon," Alberto reminded him before leaving the cave.

"Got it."

It was better to bring it with them, to be sure.

Luca looked in all directions for the weapon; it wasn't until the shine of the tip hit his eyes that he noticed it on the floor.

"There you are," he thought and swam toward it.

The stick was stuck under a rock against a wall; Luca tried to get it out, but soon he realized that it was too stuck; he pulled it twice, with no result, so he checked the stone. It seemed slightly sunk into the ground; it should not be an issue.

Luca grabbed it with both hands, and with some effort, since it was heavy, he lifted it to the side. When he was done, he turned, ready to grab the harpoon.

Until something caught his attention.

The wall was full of marks, four straight lines crossed by a horizontal one, from top to bottom, on all sides, in every centimeter. Luca turned his head; those marks symbolized something, but what could it be? He ran a hand over the wall; the signs felt like they had been carved into it with something very sharp. Doing that must have taken a long time.

"Maybe Alberto was bored and started making them," he thought. That idea sounded the best to him; unless... "He would have made one a day; that would mean that..."

"Luca?" Alberto's voice sounded behind him ... surprised, sad, and scared.

Luca turned around to meet his friend. Alberto had a look that he had never seen him with. His head fins were down, like his mouth, which usually had a smile now was a pitiful grimace, and his tail twitched sideways.

"For whatever reason, he did it; it wasn't pleasant," he thought.

Alberto looked at him and then at the wall; and repeated the process with the same concern.

"Alberto… What are these marks?" He asked, pointing to the wall. Alberto did not want to answer; he swam backward, "please tell me."

Alberto closed his eyes and looked away, clenching his fists as his tail moved faster. Luca swallowed hard, Alberto had never been violent, but he also had character. Luca didn't want to pressure him, but… those marks affected him. And if there was something he could do to help him, he would do it.

Finally, Alberto sighed and went to sit on the floor; he hugged his knees and then wrapped his tail around his legs. Luca had never seen him so sad.

"I started when my dad left..."

It hit Luca like a blow to the stomach.

"He said I was old enough to take care of myself… even so, I thought maybe he would change his mind… but I get it, he's better off without me."

Alberto spoke, but Luca had a hard time paying attention to him, more than anything because he still couldn't process how a father could have done something like that.

He went over all the times he had had fights with mom and dad, with mom more than anything, and even so, he couldn't imagine that they would abandon him. No matter how strict his mother was, she always reminded him how much she loved him, and Luca knew it was true; her eyes told him.

Not really knowing how to act or what to say, the words just poured out of him:

"But you said that he... was just out... but..."

"It's better than admitting that your own father grew tired of you."

Luca bit his lip, he didn't know how to continue, and if he said the wrong words, he could upset Albero more than he already was.

Alberto wished to never have this talk; because...

"Who would love a child whose father doesn't even love him?"

If Luca found out, he would definitely not want to be his friend anymore.

Luca's eyes widened as far as they could; was that how Alberto felt? That he didn't deserve love just because of his father...? No, no. He had to correct that; he couldn't let Alberto think that. He was literally the best thing that had happened in his life. If it wasn't for him... he would still be just a shepherd; he showed him that there was a world far beyond.

Now it was his turn to return the favor.

Slowly Luca got closer. Luckily Alberto had closed both eyes and buried his head between his legs, so he didn't seem to notice that he was getting closer. Not even when Luca hugged him from behind. Luca could feel his friend's body tense up and a little resistance, but he didn't give in his grip; he closed his eyes as he concentrated all his strength on his embrace.

"I would love that child."

And that was enough for Alberto.

"Luca... let go of me."

"No!"

"Luca..."

"I'm not letting you go!"

"Luca... I need you to let me go, so I can hug you back."

That was not an answer that Luca expected, but he did appreciate it.

As soon as he released Alberto, he threw himself on top of him; the force was so great that they both turned around a little before sitting down. And they stayed there until the rays of the first form of the great fish illuminated them.

...

Alberto did not want to tell Luca's parents, he had the same fear, but his friend insisted; he did not wish Alberto to spend more time in that cave alone, it was not healthy for him, and he himself would not be comfortable if he did not know that his friend was safe. Even with so little of knowing each other, Alberto was already too important for him.

They told Daniela and Lorenzo at the table; between the two of them, Alberto started, and every time his voice broke... Luca continued for him.

When they finished, they both fell silent, with Luca grabbing his tail with both hands; and Alberto gritting his teeth and avoiding the gaze of the adults.

"I knew I shouldn't tell them; I knew it!" he cursed himself, "now they would never let Luca hang out with me again. Piranhas! Maybe they will even move."

But if Alberto had opened his eyes, he would have seen that in Daniela's and Lorenzo's eyes was nothing but compassion.

"He... just left? Just like that?" Daniela asked with a hand on her chest.

Alberto just nodded his head.

A wave of anger began to form in Daniela's chest. The first time she heard that Alberto's father was absent, she thought he was irresponsible. Now she knew that he was not only that, but also a coward, a no man, and a scoundrel...

Who could do that to their own child?

Her claws came out, and she raked her teeth between them, her primal instinct starting to get the better of her.

"For his sake... I hope that coward never comes back... Because if he does, I'll rip his head off!" she thought.

But immediately, she told herself to calm down. Although Alberto's father (Bruno, if she had heard correctly) deserved the worst punishment. Alberto needed to be supported and loved; in those moments, they were the only ones who could provide it...

Besides… Luca always said he wanted a brother.

Her claws went to guard once she calmed; no one would die by her hand... today.

She swam towards Alberto and put a hand on his shoulder, just as it had happened with Luca; the boy's body tensed, which only worried Daniela more.

"Has this boy forgotten what love is?" She thought, scared. "Well, if that's the case, we'd better remind him of that."

"Alberto, listen to me well, you too, Luca," she used her authoritative tone; she had to do it. It was of the utmost importance that they both listen to her and do it right, "I need you to go back to that cave and grab only the most important, then I want you two to come back here."

The countenance of the two changed. Luca let go of his tail and looked at his mother, then Alberto left his pitiful look and looked Daniela in the eye.

"What?" He asked, not believing what he was hearing.

"Alberto… I don't want you to spend more time in that cave on your own," he passed his hand to the boy's cheek and began to caress it, "I don't care how independent you are; no child should be on their own."

"Ever since I met him, I've wanted to tell him that."

"From now on, I want you to stay here with us. And don't worry about the space; mom already spends the nights in who knows where."

Luca looked away, he had a suspicion of where his grandmother was staying, but he preferred not to say anything.

Alberto looked at Daniela and then at Lorenzo, and vice versa; he didn't understand what was happening.

"Okay, he did understand it, but...

It was hard for him to accept; were Luca's parents serious? Did they want to adopt him?

Lorenzo just smiled, even though he didn't seem so active... he agreed with Daniela on one thing, no child should grow up without a father. He didn't even want to imagine Luca being on his own ahead of time, and when he saw Alberto... he knew he needed help.

"A-are you serious?" was the only thing Alberto could say.

Daniela smiled, hugging him.

"I swear to the Great Fish in the sky that I'm telling you the truth."

Alberto turned to see his friend, who looked just as confused as him; but also happy; his parents were offering to adopt his best friend as their child! Who could say no to that?!

Without thinking twice, he swam up to them and joined the hug; it didn't take long for Lorenzo to join in.

Alberto was frozen, still trying to process everything that had happened, but before he could say or do anything, Luca leaned close to his ear and whispered:

"Silenzio Bruno."

That's when Alberto remembered; he just had to shut up that stupid voice and accept what the Great Fish had put in his way.

A family.

Without wanting to think about it too much, he put his hands on the arms surrounding him, thus remembering what love is.

"I'm finally home," he thought.