The sun's rays dance across the water as I steer the boat away from the dock. The salty air fills my lungs, invigorating me; this is where I belong - out on the open ocean with endless possibilities stretched out before me.
I've always felt drawn to the sea like it whispers my name in its crashing waves. As a kid, I'd spend hours exploring the tide pools, marveling at the rainbow of life below the surface. Someday, I'll discover all the ocean's secrets.
"Kaimana!" my dad calls from the deck below. "Come take a look at this."
I gave the wheel to my mother, Momi Auki, who is 60 years old. She is a short, plump woman with waist-length black hair that has turned gray with age. Her skin is dark golden brown, and she has brown eyes. My mother is a loving and caring person who adores my father and me. She encourages me in everything I do. Apart from being an excellent mother, she runs a small business that sells handmade crafts to tourists when she is not helping my father with his charter boat. She is kind and compassionate and always tries to see the best in people. As I headed below deck, I kissed my mother on the cheek and smiled at the sight of my dad studying a map and tracing his finger along the coastline.
"There's an uncharted cove here," he says, tapping the worn paper. "Could be interesting to explore."
My pulse quickens. A new cove means new discoveries. "Let's check it out!"
Dad grins. "I had a feeling you'd say that."
My father, Ikaika Auki, is the proud owner of a charter boat we use for dolphin and whale watching and snorkeling in the coral reefs. My dad is a strict and hardworking man who expects the same from me. He is fiercely protective of our family, and I'm grateful for that. At 64 years old, he has long, unruly gray hair, hazel eyes, dark golden brown skin, and broad shoulders. He stands tall at 6'4" and has a slightly plump build.
We alter course toward the mysterious inlet. As we draw near, I lean over the railing, scouring for signs of life. The turquoise water glows invitingly as rays of light pierce its depths. What marvels lurk below?
I can't wait to dive in and find out. The ocean is full of surprises, but with my love of adventure, I'm always ready to uncover its next wonder.
I nod to my dad as I strap on my mask and flippers; this is what I live for… the thrill of exploration…With a splash, I roll off the boat into warm Hawaiian waters.
At first, all I see is blue, the world muffled and blurred. Then my vision adjusts, and the cove comes alive. Schools of fish in every color dart through forests of coral, their scales glinting in the sunlight filtering down from above. Anemones wave tentacles lazily, hoping to snare an unsuspecting snack. A sea turtle glides past, unhurried and serene.
I kick downward, eager to take it all in. Each new aquatic landscape teems with life just waiting to be discovered. A spotted eel pokes its head from a crevice, eyeing me curiously. I wave, and it slithers back into its lair. Everything is so vibrant and full of mystery. What secrets do these creatures keep?
The colors here are dazzling, even to my eyes, who have witnessed countless reefs. It's like an artist's palette strewn below. I trail my fingers over the coral, feeling its sharp ridges. A school of angelfish scatters at my touch, their yellow fins fluttering like wings. I wish I could sprout my own wings and fly through this underwater cathedral.
In the distance, a dark shape on the reef catches my eye. At first, I thought it was a rock, but no...it almost looked like a human. I paddle closer, my curiosity rising. It's a woman! She looked to be close to my age and looked to be at peace with her eyes closed as if in meditation. My heart pounds. What's a human doing this deep, this far out?
Her eyes flutter open before I can call out, piercing blue like the sea. She sees me, and I freeze, transfixed. I know in my soul that she's no ordinary young woman. My life will never be the same.
Her eyes widen in surprise as she spots me, her body tensing. We stare at one another for a moment, neither of us moving. Her long, dark hair billows around her in the current, and I can't tear my gaze from her haunting eyes. They seem to pierce right through me.
Slowly, she relaxes and tilts her head, studying me with an intensity that makes me shiver. There's an otherworldly quality about her, an aura I've never sensed before. The way she moves is too graceful, too fluid, and I realize with a start that her legs are fused into a shimmering turquoise tail.
She's a mermaid...I can scarcely believe it, yet here she is. A true myth comes to life. Her beauty captivates me—the elegant arch of her back, the smooth scales that catch the light. She seems hesitant and shy even though her gaze stays locked on mine.
My heart hammers in my chest. I know I should be afraid, should flee from this impossible creature. But I can't look away. I drift closer, unable to stop myself, drawn by an invisible thread. The Mermaid doesn't shy back, watching me with that piercing, knowing look.
I pointed up to the surface. When she nodded, I swam as fast as possible, gasping for air when I finally broke through the surface.
My heart pounded in my chest when her head poked through beside me.
"Hello, I'm Kaimana," I say softly, my voice sounding loud as it echoed through the cavern, "I won't hurt you."
Her eyes flash with surprise at the sound, then she smiles. It's an innocent and wise smile lighting up her face.
She opens her mouth to speak..."Kalena." Her name suits her—beautiful, melodic.
I'm stunned she can speak. Her words are tinged with an accent I can't place, musical notes dancing on each syllable.
"The sea is wondrous," I reply. "But its beauty pales next to yours."
A smile tugs at her lips.
We regard each other in silence for a moment. A hundred questions burn inside me, but I dare not break this spell, this impossible moment of connection. Her eyes search mine as if peering into my soul.
"I can't stay here for too long; my parents will worry and come searching for me," I explained.
"Will you return?" she asks suddenly.
My heartbeat quickens. "If you wish it."
Kalena nods, her smile returning. "I will look for you on the morrow, Kaimana."
She turns and vanishes into the depths with a flick of her shimmering tail… As I resurface, gasping for air, I wonder if I dreamed of her. But in my heart, I know Kalena is real. And I know I must see her again.