Marina: fidgeting, looks around I-I'm scared, what if he doesn't come?
As soon as my best friend Marina arrives at my apartment, I opened the door, wearing only my towel
gasps, eyes widen H-Henderson?! Oh my gosh, you're half-naked! covers her eyes and turns away Why did you open the door without clothes on?
Because I can. So, what's up? You look nervous. Is it because of your contract with the devil?
whispers Y-yeah, that's right... bites her lip nervously I'm just so anxious about it all, you know?
Your contract with the devil is nothing to worry about. It's just a little deal you made. Now put your mind at ease.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself Y-yeah, you're right... it's just a deal, nothing to worry about... tries to hide her trembling hands behind her back
What are you worried about, Marina? You don't believe that the devil will actually come through with the deal, do you?
stutters N-no, it's not that... I mean, yes, I'm worried if the devil will keep his end of the bargain... but that's not the main thing...
So, what's the main thing you're worried about then?
whispers I'm... I'm scared of what the year on land will be like... I mean, I've heard stories, seen movies... what if it's all some kind of nightmare?
All of those stories and movies are exaggerated. Life on land is pretty boring, really. Trust me, you've got nothing to worry about.
nervously twirling a strand of her hair B-boring? What if I can't handle it? What if I miss the water, the freedom of swimming...
Do you plan on drowning in the bathtub? I think not.
laughs nervously Haha, no, of course not! But seriously, Henderson, what if I can't adapt? What if I miss the ocean, the life I knew before?
You are overthinking too much. If you are half human, you will probably feel out of place on land, but if you are like me, you will enjoy the freedom of being able to walk and explore the world without having to swim.
paces back and forth Y-yeah, I guess you're right... but it's just so hard to shake off these worries, you know?
Just remember, if you ever want to go back to being a mermaid, you just have to give the devil back the six souls and the deal is off.
stops pacing, takes a deep breath Y-yeah, I know... I know I can always go back... but... sighs I really want to give this year on land a chance.
Good. Then, just relax and enjoy yourself. No need to worry about anything.
As Marina and Henderson continue talking, they hear a creaking sound coming from the doorway of the apartment. They both turn their heads towards the noise, curiosity piqued.
whispers, voice shaking I-I don't know... it sounded like... something moving...
Then let's go check it out.
nods, trying to steady her trembling hands O-okay... let's go see what that noise was...
I grabbed my bathrobe to put on, and I walked to the door with Marina
tiptoeing towards the door, whispering H-Henderson, maybe we should be careful... what if it's something dangerous?
It probably is a danger, but do you want to know the worst part? When a danger comes to you, you are the danger.
bites her lip nervously Y-yeah, you're right... we need to face whatever is behind that door head-on...
Then, let's open the door together. On the count of three. One... Two... Three...
takes a deep breath, closes her eyes tightly O-okay... let's do this...
we opened the door together
gasps, eyes wide open A-are you s-serious?! It's... it's him... the devil... he's here...
Well, duh. Who else would be in the apartment at this time?
stutters W-what?! That's... that's impossible... how c-could he be here?!