“You’re not making any sense.”
“When merfolk bind each other, we don’t just kiss. We share a breath. And you gave me yours.”
I kick at the sand.
“So what? We’re bound now?”
That’s the worst part. “I’m bound to you. But you’re not bound to me.”
“Oh.” Samir bites his lip. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do it. I mean, I wouldn’t do something like that without yourpermission. I just... you weren’t breathing, and I didn’t see any gills or anything...”
“I know.” We’re mammals. We still have to breathe.
Samir runs a hand over his short hair, over and over, and shakes his head. He stares out at the water, biting his lip.
I can’t stand seeing him upset like this.
“It’s okay.”
“I’m so sorry. You have to know that. I’m sorry.”
“I forgive you.” I could never be mad at him. I’ve spent every day of the last year longing for him. “You saved my life, Samir.”
“I didn’t think merfolk could drown.”
“You didn’t think we were real at all.”
Samir laughs. His eyes sparkle. “So... how do we become soul mates for real?”
“What?”
“You know... how do you bind me back?”
I shake my head. “Samir, you don’t know what that means.”
He doesn’t know how much it hurt, being apart from him for a year. How I could tell when he was sad, or angry, but was powerless to help.
“Yeah, but what if—”
His phone buzzes. My stomach plummets.
Samir winces. “Sorry. My mom. I have to...”
At least it’s not his ex again.
“Allo, maman, chetori?” he says, but he rests his hand on my wrist. It roots me to the spot, like I’ve been turned to stone. I don’t speak Farsi but I like that he does, like that hesounds respectful to his mom over the phone, like the tingling in my skin where he touches me.
I am utterly lost.
“I’m really sorry,” he says when he hangs up. “I’ve got to run. Family stuff.”
I like that his family is important to him.
“Can I see you again? Tomorrow? I’m staying with my aunt in La Jolla.”
I shake my head. I can’t.
If I let myself see him again, I might never let him go.
