He used his sharp shiny stick to cut the net free, then carried her into the cave. He spoke in broken mermish, “How you….together? Living well?...One?”
I took that to mean, was I alright and whole.
“My fin hurts,” I say and point.

He examined my fin carefully, with a gentle touch that sent shivers down my spine. He thought I was cold and said, “No going you…I go.”

I waited in the shallow pools on the cave floor for what seemed like hours. I didn’t let myself doze off, even though I had been awake all night. I began to think about my missing pod. Could I still return? Would I be allowed back, welcomed even? Would I be forever without them now that I’ve been to the surface? Could they tell I’ve been? I wouldn’t have to tell them. They don’t know about the boat, or the elf-man.

He returned then with food, water, medicine, and a dry cover for warmth. I ate while he put the thick, gooey, smelly unction on my fin.

“I’m Aqualina.” I pointed to myself.”A-qua-leeen-a.”
He pointed to himself, “Eee-loon. Elune.”