Gerald and Theodora were ready to leave. Aria had made them comfortable with the Manta ray she had chosen for their ride.
The large, flat, diamond-shaped animal had a darker upper body surface while it was white in colour on the lower side. Theodora couldn't help but compare the fish with a large-sized kite. And that helped her in getting over her fear of the animal.
"Are you ready now, Theodora?" Gerald asked her.
Theodora nodded her head, but then she noticed Aria's saddened face. She pointed to Gerald to take a look at her, but he remained silent.
Sighing, Theodora swam closer to Aria. She took the mermaid's hands in hers and realised this was the first time she was touching a mermaid.
Her hands were soft like a little girl's.
"Aria, my friend?" Theodora called her name gently with a smile.
But Aria refused to look up.
Theodora ran her hand on the mermaid's face tenderly.
