The man on the pier was loud. Blue perched low in the waves, and watched as he flailed around in unison with his words. His face was redder than a lobster. She should grab this man, drag him deep into the water below and eat him. He would be such an easy prey. If he were alone.

His companion is younger and quieter. More of a boy, with his soft brown eyes and neatly tied back hair. He’s not the type of person she’d normally find here. His reaction to the loud, clumsy human was all wrong. Instead of annoyance at how sharp his words stung the ears, he responded with patience.

Something about him fascinated her. That was why she watched, just a moment longer. Even if she’d soon have to clear this disruption from her hunting spot, before he scared away the less poisoned meals.

She watched as the older human collapsed on the deck, and hacked like a dying fish.

“Are you alright?” the younger human asked, and though Blue didn’t understand the words, she liked the tone.

“Just fine. No need ta’ worry ‘bout me.”

“Maybe you had too much to drink.”

“Part of the trade, son.” The man stumbled. “Can’t survive as a fisherman without something to make the days shorter.”

The boy stopped him before he fell over, and lead him to lean on the rotted railing at the edge of the pier. “Maybe we ought to get you home.”

“I’m fine! Quit chur’ nagging,” the drunk man said, but leaned against the wood. “Maybe just a second to rest.”

Blue peeked up from the edge. Now would be the perfect opportunity. If she was quick enough, the man’s companion wouldn’t see her. 

“I know you don’t like me ‘nagging,’ Pa. But I worry about you sometimes.”

“No damn reason for that.”

The man sighed, and Blue leaned forward. She watched the way the boy’s hands hovered by the man’s shoulders, scared he’d collapse. His eyes were filled with something she could only vaguely understand.

She’d never met another thing like her. She was alone in the sea with her thoughts. It was this level of intelligence in another being that grabbed her. It distracted her from her goal again.

“I wish you’d quit.”

“I’m too old now.”

The boy turned toward the ocean, for a breath, and found himself face to face with the strange creature as it lurked nearby.

Blue froze. Every muscle in her body tensed at the danger. It was some sort of innate thing that told her she had to hide.

The boy couldn’t move. He stared into the face that was nearly human. Her blue skin, scaly cheeks, and gills popped out from her neck. He’d never seen a siren, but he’d heard enough stories to know he should be scared.

He stared into her beady black eyes, and she stared back at him. Neither moved.

“Son?”

Blue pushed herself into the water with a loud splash.

“Huh?”

“You shouldn’t start. With the drinking,” the old man paused, then said quietly, “only leads to loneliness.”

“I know, Pa.”

The boy stared down into the surf, where only faint white bubbles remained.

“Can we go home now?”

The man looked over at his son’s pale face, and noticed the way his hands clenched the rail. 

“Yeah, alright boy.”

Blue looked up at the blurry figures moving above the sea. Saw the way they stuck together. She put a hand over the ache in her chest and decided it must be because of her fast beating-heart. 

Editor: Lucy Cafiero