The Mermaid Miracle (1)

Look from the left.

Now to the right.

Then at the center.

Aha! There it is, the Jewelry Shop. Okay, I should be able to locate Max's house. It must be close by. Walking slowly, I looked around and entered an alley. Along the narrow street, children were playing blissfully, unfazed with the winter breeze. How should I start? Humans have many houses.

While scanning the houses that I passed by, I suddenly bumped into a human. "Ouch!" The hood of my cloak, covering my face, was removed from my head.

"Look where you are going!" The man's voice was low and scary. He must be very angry at me.

"I'm sorry." Flinched. I bowed my head in the fear of him.

"If only you look at the road properly, this won't happen. Tsk, what annoying ki...Ah! You are the child at the festival! The one with the wolf! Am I right?" Because of the sudden change of tone, I raised my head to see what the man looked like. He had a bald head, black eyes, and a height that was shorter than Papa. Oh, I remember him- the meat vendor.

"Yes, Mister. I'm that child," I replied.

"What a coincidence! So, what is your name? Why are you here?" he asked enthusiastically. "You are so cute, come here, I'll buy you a toy," he added. His sudden change of behavior surprised me. A while ago he sounded annoyed to me but now, he acts as if nothing happened. Somehow, he appeared to be relieved that he bumped into me. I don't feel comfortable with Mister's actions.

"Mister, I have something to do," I rejected, stepping back away from him.

"Eh, is that so...Maybe I can help you. Come with me, I'll help. "All of the sudden, he grabbed my hand tightly making me unable to resist. "I'm okay, Mister. Please let go!" I began yelling. His grip was hurting my arm. I tried to get away with all my strength, yet he was so strong.

"No, Mister will help you...Oh! I know a place that sells a lot of candy. You should come with me," he insisted. What is this?! Why are you acting this way? I don't want to come with you. Think, Brielle, think. What should I do...What will Papa do...Ah! For a quick moment, a memory flashed in my mind. Yes, that will do.

Gathering all my strength in my left arm, where Mister didn't hold. Next, clenching my fist, and spotting the target. Haah, I can do it, just like what Papa told me.

One.

Two.

Three.

My tiny fist began at top speed. Moving to the direction of the legs, passed through the crotch and Pow! I landed a clean hit to his pee-pee. I did it!

"Arrghh...What the hell! Ouch, it hurts!" Crouching because of pain. At last, he finally let go of my hand. Phew! I thought I would be in trouble. It's a shame Papa didn't witness my punch.

I looked at my hand and chuckled, "I made Papa proud."

"You… arghh...Just wait I'll…," he complained as he was still in pain.

Oops, I should run now before he recovers. When I'm about to run, I saw a familiar face in the distance. So lucky! It was Max. Hurriedly, I raced in Max's direction. As soon as I reached him, I touched his clothes to grab his attention, and said, "Finally, I found you."

"Huh?! Brielle? Why are you here?" asked Max, shocked.

"I'm here to help your mother." His face twisted into a puzzled look. For a second, he didn't respond. Maybe he was trying to grasp the situation. "I said I'm here to help your mother, Max," once again I said.

He was even more confused after I repeated what I had said. "Wait...what?!," he exclaimed.