The mountain skirted past the bay to dive into the sea, marking the barrier between the good, reliable folk and the wilds. Past the stone ridge sparkled brilliant turquoise waters. And Penelope often dreamed of the wonders that must live beneath.

Reliable folk knew to keep clear of the ridge, but a few children were allowed to roam by careless parents. Theresa, Penelope’s closest friend, had such parents. Penelope did not. So the day she saw Theresa silhouetted atop the stone ridge waving, Penelope hadn’t known if she were beckoning her to follow or waving goodbye before she disappeared past the barrier.

Years passed, and the day arrived for Penelope to marry a gentle boy with soft brown eyes. The sun rose to sparkle on the turquoise waters, drawing her away from home. She wandered to the tide pools at the base of the barrier where all manner of creatures gathered. There, a woman sat upon the stones. Her skin reflected the turquois of the sea, and narrow slits fluttered on either side of her throat.

“Theresa?”

Her childhood friend smiled, exposing needle-sharp teeth. “Looking for me, Penny?”

“Yes, I think I was.”

“Are you ready?”

Penelope thought she heard someone calling her name, but the sea called louder.

“Is it very dangerous in the wilds?”

“Yes, it is fearsome, but it is free.”

And for years to come, the gentle boy with soft brown eyes would wonder if Penelope had waved goodbye that day or beckoned him to follow.

Photo Manipulated, Original by David Mark