A deep breath

“It’s not that hard, just hold your breath.”

“Says you.” Gold eyes wandered nervously from the glassy surface above to the sheltered rocks below. The first one reached up and cupped a hand full of air drawing it down. She watched as bubbles slipped from her fingers and returned up. The second stroked his tail, still undecided.

“What if I panic and swallow it?!”

The first one laughed and cuffed him gently with her tail. She enjoyed the way the sun caught the red in it as it moved through the water.

" I promise I will bring you back down. You know mermaids are made out of 85% air”

He rolled his eyes, that was her opinion, not facts.

“what if pops finds out?” he asked. She cast a doubt full glance down. Unlike her brother, the rocks below did not have the same comforting feel for her. Maybe it was because she was feeling the usual teenage feelings of constraint, I don’t know. She shrugged.

“It’s beautiful once you learn how to hold your breath.”

He filled his lungs with water and then stuck his head out. For the first time he could actually feel the sun’s rays. Colors seem to explode over everything. Everything seemed clear and bright and different. Overhead the sky stretched out for what seemed like forever; what looked like dainty white seaweed floated across it. The birds that he had only seen diving in the water to plunder his mother’s pet fish, now glided right beside the white seaweed. Their cries filled the air. With a splash one landed beside him causing him to gasp.....a lung full of air. He started to panic and swallowed more air. Her hand rose up and grabbed hold of him, yanking back to the safety of the water. He choked and gagged, while she swam around him troubled, giving very unhelpful slaps on the back with her tail. Whoever came up with the idea of pounding someone on the back while the person is choking was an idiot. Finally, he caught his breath, but before a word could be said by any of them a voice bellowed out from below.

“Children!” They flinched and exchanged very guilty smiles.

“Let’s do it again later!” He whispered. She nodded, hoping that they would not be grounded for long as they swam down to meet their father.