“Please, Chijioke, promise me you will not tell anyone. If people find out, they will take her away and kill her, and they will punish us too.”
Chijioke looked at his mother, then at the crying mermaid, then back at his mother.
He nodded slowly, tears still in his eyes.
“I will not tell anyone, Mama,” Chijioke said softly.
Amara hugged him tightly and kissed his head.
“Thank you, my son,” she whispered.
Chijioke looked at Nene again, his eyes softer now.
“Are you hungry?” he asked shyly.
Nene managed a weak smile, her eyes full of gratitude.
“Yes. Thank you,” Nene whispered.
