Every movement is necessary for my survival; to stop, even while sleeping, would be certain death. Some can lounge along the reefs and chat amongst themselves without fear. I don’t envy nor despise them, for we all make the best of what we’re given in this strange world.

Behind me, hitchers stick to my back in wait for their next meal, the leftovers of my own. I’ve grown accustomed to these beings, although the first time we met, I wasn’t thrilled at the prospect of free transportation.

I see a friend, Lethe, cruise along the coral reef in search of crabs or small fish. She finds a cylindrical object of disgusting material, as she demonstrates by chewing and spitting it out.

“Any luck, Neptune?” she asks.

“No Lethe, there’s a smaller catch each day.”

“Yes, I observed and ironically, more of this trash replaces them. Obviously, the work of footers.”

“It’s expected, considering I’ve encountered more of them by the shore this time.” I sigh.

The footers, odd, selfish creatures, remain close to the dry world, but sometimes enter our domain, splashing and causing confusion. Some have traveled in loud, enormous forms. Others drop tempting morsels to give us, only to leave with at least one of our unfortunate brethren in their grasp. I have lost several companions over the years, and it still makes our blood run cold.

“There must be something we can do about the footers.” Lethe mutters.

“Investigation’s our only option. Poseidon forbids eating them-a small bite I, it is said, is far worse than whale dung.”

“I’ve heard that too. They look as if their tough to eat, almost indestructible.”

She pauses and lifts her nose, pointing toward the east. Her gills flare up.

“Have you found food?” I ask, senses in suspense.

“Hold on. It feels like a sick fish; it’s a good size.”

“This could be our last decent meal for a while, so let’s hurry.”

“That was delicious!” Lethe murmured. “What do you think, Neptune?”

I don’t answer her, for I’m drawn to this footer who stares at me. Their odd, dark skin blows bubbles resembling frivolous dolphins. Sea lion flippers exist on their two lower appendages. I can tell they’re nervous by the vibration of their heartbeat. We keep our distance, staring into each other’s eyes, in the latter’s fascination, excitement, and a hint of fear.

“Is that footer interested in you and me?” Lethe asks.

“I think so. Let’s watch it.”

Lethe and I continue to swim through the reef, keeping the newcomer in view. The creature glides around our location. I can’t help but marvel at how it respects our kind, unlike the others many of us knew. My curiosity tempted me to go in for a closer examination, and my snout was met with a gentle push. There was no malice or apprehension within this being, only kindness and awe.

After several minutes, it swims towards the surface and disappears underneath the sky pearl’s hot rays. A tinge of pain forms inside my heart.

“What an experience. The footer seemed interested in you. I think it likes your looks.” Lethe smirks.

“If only we had more time together.” I murmured.

“Do you have a crush on that footer?”

Heat fills my cheeks. “NO! Not at all!”

“It’s only a joke, Neptune. Let’s go explore the caves.”

I smile and follow her, my mind still on the recent encounter with a footer.

 Glossary
Footers– Humans
Hitchers– Remoras
Pearl– Sun

Editor: Lucy Cafiero