"My name is Annie. I'm twenty-four years old. I've worked as a salesperson before, an office secretary, and so on."
I didn't think anyone could have been more concise with their self-introduction.
"Yes, these are all on your resume. You can tell me what's not on your resume."
Daniel's tone was soft, but he threw a question that terrified me.
He wanted me to improvise, probably to test my ability to adapt and express myself.
"I… I'm more sensitive than others. I'm full of love. I'm meticulous and serious when I do things. There are some…"
At that, I thought of Mr. Mermaid at home.
"There are some experiences that no one else has."
This sentence piqued Daniel's interest. "Huh? What experience? Like traveling around the world?"
"Not really. Sorry. This is my privacy."
I couldn't tell him I had a mermaid. He wouldn't believe me even if I told him.
"Alright, your work experience is very suitable for us. We will give you an answer after our evaluation. Please wait patiently."
Daniel's answer depressed me. I thought that if things went well, I would be able to sign the employment contract today.
He probably wanted me to go home and wait for rejection, right?
I didn't want to be so pessimistic, but I couldn't help it.
"Thank you. How long will it take for me to get an answer?" I ask.
"Within three days," Daniel said while still smiling warmly.
I had thought that the smile was friendly, but now, it seemed cold.
After leaving the office, I took the bus home.
Along the way, I leaned against the window and looked out at the street.
The bus was moving forward, the scenery was moving backward, and my mood was sinking.
When I got home, I was surprised to find that the merfolk had legs again.
He wasn't wearing any clothes, and the curtains weren't drawn. I suspected he was trying to impress the neighborhood passersby with his athletic build.
"Put on your clothes."
I couldn't get interested in his good looks now.
"Mmm."
He walked out carrying two raw fish and invited me to eat with him.
"I can't eat raw food. I have to at least fry it."
I was a little surprised. Had he already learned how to use a refrigerator?
"Mmm."
He held the fish up in front of me, demanding I eat it.
I smiled helplessly and took the fish to the kitchen.
He followed me in and saw me take out a plate to put the fish inside. I sprinkled some seasoning and put them in the oven.
"Mmm!"
He didn't understand my actions. He looked at the oven and was somewhat angry.
"The interview didn't go well. I think I need to find a new job."
I sat at the kitchen table talking to myself. I knew he couldn't understand me, so I took it as saying it to myself.
"Mmm!"
He came over and let me lean into his arms, like he knew I was in a bad mood.
I felt awkward leaning against his naked body.
"I should buy you some clothes."
There weren't any men's clothes in the house. When he put on my hoodie, he looked like an adult wearing children's clothes. It was hilarious.
But I didn't have much savings. I still had to pay rent and buy food.
"Forget it. I'll put on my clothes for you first. It's better than being naked."
I returned to the bedroom and found some loose clothes for him. I raised my hand and smelled something strange under my armpit.
I hadn't showered in the past two days, and I wondered if Daniel had smelled it during the interview.
It was too awkward.
The merman followed me into the bedroom. When I dressed him, he didn't resist like the last time. In fact, he behaved.
I had to admit that he was very smart. Although he could not understand human language, he could understand what people wanted to say.
Perhaps he would learn how to speak soon?
When the fish was fried, I asked him to sit at the table too. I even put his raw fish on a plate.
He watched me the whole time, like he was learning.
When he saw me pick up my fork to eat the fish, he looked at his empty hands.
"You want a fork too?"
I quickly got him a fork and started teaching him how to use it.
It turned out that he was indeed a fast learner.
I poured him some more milk and taught him to drink it with a spoon.
This was probably his first time drinking milk. He had just taken a sip when he threw up again.
Looking at his disgusted look, I burst into laughter while feeling much better.
After eating, I took my change of clothes to the bathroom door.
He wanted to follow me in, but I pushed him out.
"Don't come in. I need a shower."
He nodded, as if he understood, and did not follow me in.
The water in the bathtub was a little murky. I wondered if he had excreted in it before.
I was disgusted by my own thoughts. I quickly let the water go, then used the brush to rinse it before starting to put in the new water.
While waiting to fill the tub, I sat by the bath and began to daydream.
The interview scene appeared in her mind again.
I couldn't help but recall these unpleasant and awkward memories over and over again.
As the saying went, tragedies were always more memorable than comedies.
I thought that people were the same. They would always remember sad memories and ignore happy times.
People like me, who were pessimistic about life, were even more so.
When the water was ready, I sighed, took off my clothes, and walked in.
The temperature of the water was just right. It wrapped around my not-so-full body and reminded me of the feeling of suicide in the sea.