The Sea Cave (1)

It was a typical calm and sunny day. The sea was jewel-blue, and the waves were rippling gently against the golden sand. Blazing sun cast its booming beams on the ancient rocks.

I sat down on a small rock and dipped my toes in the water. The bright sun from the radiant summer sky warmed my legs as I continued to stay in my position. I'm waiting for Papa to return from hunting. Papa's name was Atlas. He is strong and can transform into a wolf. He is my only family. I love him very much.

After waiting for about thirty minutes, I could see Papa afar walking in my direction. He was carrying a basket in his mouth that contained our food.

I hurriedly ran towards him. "Papa, what you took so long?''

"There were humans that came to my hunting spot. It was so annoying!'' he said with an annoyed look. I took the basket, thinking that he was tired from hunting and carrying it. I tried to lift the basket with all my strength but it wouldn't budge an inch. My small arms and legs began to tremble and as a result, I fell to the ground.

"Hahaha, you should just let me carry it. It's a pity that you can't see how funny you are struggling. Your small arms can't even lift it," he teasingly said.

"You are bad, Papa," I said as I stood up.

Papa stopped laughing and lowered his large body." Okay, okay, I am sorry Brielle. Climb up and when we arrive home, I will cook your favorite." Upon hearing what he said, I immediately climbed on his back. Papa started walking. While riding on Papa's back, I examined his fur. As expected, Papa has thick white fluffy fur. It reminds me of snow in the wintertime. I smile while stroking Papa's snow-like fur.

After a five-minute walk, we entered the sea cave. Inside the cave, the sunlight passed through the circular skylight and eroded hole on its ceiling. Stunning red sandstones formed the rock formation. The golden sand and jewel-blue water glimmered as it caught by the sunlight.

Papa sat down as I got off from his back. He placed the basket on the ground that contained rabbit and venison meat, vegetables, and a flower. I stared at the flower with excitement then looked at Papa with sparkling eyes.

"Is this for me?''

Papa avoided my eyes and said, "Who else will I give it to...it obviously for you."

"Then what flower is this Papa?"

"It's Heliotrope," he said shortly.

"Heliopre...Helitope...Heliotrot." I tried to pronounce the name of the flower but I ended up messing. Papa chuckled as he listened to how I put effort into saying the name.

"Thank you, Papa," I said, stepping closer to him. "It is something I will treasure. "Then, I kissed him on the cheek and smiled beamingly. For a brief moment, Papa's expression appeared astonished.

"Brielle..."

"Why Papa? Is there something wrong?" I nervously asked.

Papa suddenly transformed into his human form. He had short, blueberry hair cascading down his purple jewel eyes- eyes similar to twilight sky, brimming with beauty. Truly, beautiful in every way.

"You're pretty Papa."

Papa flicked my forehead, "You always say that whenever I transform. But I think you forgot something," he said, leaning his cheek toward me.

For the second time, I kissed his cheek. Now I remembered him saying that I should always kiss him in his human form. Whenever I kissed him in his wolf form, he felt awkward. In comparison to me, who is three years old, he is too childish.

I waited for Papa to finish cooking. While I waited, I decided to put the flower on a shell. Afterward, I added water to it so that it would not wither.

"Brielle, let us eat," Papa shouted.

I headed to Papa and we ate the meal together. During our meal, Papa suddenly talked.

"Brielle, when I'm not with you, always be alert and stay at home. Humans are lingering around. It is dangerous if they see you in your mermaid form. Do you understand?"

"Okay, Papa. But I think they are good just like grandma and children in the town."

"You don't know humans well. They are greedy for gold, selfish, deceitful, and ruthless.Monsters disguised as humans- they even kill their flesh and blood. How disgusting," Papa snarled.

Papa's resentment towards humans was visible in his features. I'm curious as to what prompted him to think that way, but I don't dare to ask him. Maybe because I am still a kid, or maybe I am terrified of the truth. Perhaps, someday, the truth will unveil itself.