Mira, a mermaid with hair like spun gold and scales that shimmer in all shades of blue, glides effortlessly through the cool water. Beside her swims Lira, whose emerald-green tail flicks playfully, her laughter echoing like wind chimes. In the shadow of a swaying coral fan, a small, bright orange fish named Pip wriggles nervously, trying to avoid being noticed by the larger creatures.
"Did you see that, Mira? Something orange just zipped past!"
Mira peers into the shadows, her eyes soft with curiosity. "I think it's just a little fish, Lira. Maybe he's scared of us?"
Pip, trembling, tries to hide behind a swaying frond, but his bright color betrays him.
"Let's not frighten him," Lira whispers, her voice gentle. Mira nods, slowly approaching Pip with a kind smile. "Hello, little one. What's your name?"
"I-I'm Pip," he stammers, his small fins fluttering. "Most big fish chase me away. Are you going to eat me?"
"Of course not! We just wanted to meet you," Mira replies warmly. "We love meeting new friends," adds Lira, her eyes sparkling. Pip relaxes a little, curiosity overcoming his fear.
"That's the one who always chases me!" Pip whispers, panic rising in his voice. "Stay close to us," Lira urges, reaching out her hand. Mira swiftly weaves a curtain of kelp around them, hiding them from view as the shadow drifts by.
"Thank you for helping me," Pip says, his voice full of wonder. "That's what friends do," Mira replies, smiling. "From now on, you swim with us," Lira declares, and the three new friends dart off together, weaving and laughing through the sunlit water.
