Well, until then

From inside the aquarium, Magi could see the visitors and began to swim and wave at the children, who were thrilled to believe they were seeing a real mermaid. The look of wonder on their faces helped her relax, and for a few minutes, she forgot her initial discomfort.

After about ten minutes, she had grown used to the tail’s movement and the routine of smiling and waving. But then she noticed something strange: some parents began to cover their children's eyes, and adult visitors, especially college students, lingered longer in front of the glass, their curiosity not seeming innocent at all.

Magi didn't understand what was happening until she looked down.

The water had completely soaked her thin white top, turning it translucent and clinging to her skin like a treacherous second layer. The fabric, now hopelessly transparent, hid nothing. Her nipples, dark and firm from the cold water, were completely exposed under the raw, bluish light of the aquarium, transformed into the unwilling centerpiece of the show.

It was as if the world had stopped, and then slammed into her. A wave of shame so hot and violent rose up that it felt like the water around her was boiling. Her cheeks, neck, and even the skin behind her ears were on fire. She wanted to scream, but only silent bubbles escaped, a muffled sob that was swallowed by the blue vastness. With trembling hands, she instinctively tried to cover herself by crossing her arms over her chest, but the movement was clumsy, almost impossible inside the tight tail that immobilized her hips. All she managed was a pathetic shrug that revealed everything and, in fact, drew more attention.

****, with her heart hammering in her chest like a cornered animal, she looked toward the surface, frantically searching for May. She wanted to plead with her eyes, silently screaming at him to get her out of there, to end this nightmare immediately.