Below is an introduction in the form of a diary post of one of my favorite characters, Misty the Mermaid of the Emerald Coast – and from my first set of published books.
Date: September 20
Dear Diary,
The Emerald Coast sparkles today, its turquoise waves dancing above my coral cave like a quilt of light. I woke to the hum of the Gulf, my tail fin flicking against the smooth limestone walls of my home, their pink and green corals glowing faintly in the dawn’s glow. My long yellow hair floated free, tangling with a stray anemone, and I giggled, brushing it away. The cave’s nooks hold my treasures—shiny shells, my precious tiara, a cracked pearl comb, and a human bottle etched with strange words. I’m maybe 16 in mermaid years, but time feels different down here, fluid like the tides.
Moriah, my loggerhead turtle bestie, nudged me awake, her wise eyes twinkling under her mottled shell. “Adventure time?” she bubbled, her flippers stirring sand. We swam out, weaving through seagrass swaying like temple banners, the water cool and salty on my scales. I spotted a school of parrotfish, their colors popping like Mom’s stories of beautiful gardens. I hummed a hymn—something about faith moving mountains—and checked my kelp nets for breakfast. Found a plump oyster, cracked it open, and shared the juicy bit with Moriah.
A dolphin pod zipped by, chattering about a storm brewing topside. I tightened my nets, remembering last week’s current that scattered my shells. Moriah and I patrolled the reef, her flippers steady as I darted between corals, my tail flashing like a beacon. A human boat’s shadow passed overhead, and Moriah hid, her heart racing—humans are curious, but their nets scare her. I nudged her, trying to calm her as always. “You’re braver than you think,” I said.
We noticed Mrs. Clownfish preparing her nest, so she must be getting excited for the new arrivals coming soon. It’s so much fun to have little clownfish around.
Later, back in my cave, I carved a new shell with my coral knife, sketching waves. The Gulf’s song lulls me tonight, promising tomorrow’s adventures. Moriah’s waiting by the cave mouth to say goodnight, guarding me like family. I’m grateful for this undersea world, my faith, and my friend.
Till tomorrow,
Misty
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