WATER SPLASH:MERMAID ADVENTURE

TER

16,

ed out, their voices growing louder a

incoming calls, adding to the morning chaos. Meanwhile, Mrs. White answered the landline phone in the living room. Des

mumbled, her voic

"Mum says you need to take your bath a

rolling over and pulling

ther entered the room, w

s already 7:30 a.m.

ed look. She rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the sleep

lara asked, her voice

posed to meet your friends at their swimming school t

and saw several missed call

ear it," Cl

dressed and come downsta

er the side of the bed

Clara asked, noticing the t

ndering when sleeping became your priority, Clara

eling defensive. "What's wrong,

provide for you. I'm tired of your new hobby of sleeping in. I wake up early to make breakfast and keep the house running while you lie here, as if Hypnos himself has you under his spell. You're

sorry, Mum. I didn't mean t

ed. "It's okay. Just remember,

Clara repl

at her. She loved her mother more than anything and hated the idea of letting her down, but lately, it

usual out of respect for the festival. Most swimmers preferred to attend the festival of Still waters later, so practice was

k shower, she threw on jeans and a hoodie, running a brush through her tangled hair. As she finished, her

, excitement sparkling in their eyes. Their father stood by the door, keys in hand, ready to take them to th

mother. "Aren't yo

head. "No, I don't fe

e of toast and scramb

ant to be late," her mother

ed again. Another message from Annalise. Clara's stomach twist

tanding up, grabbing her bag. "Mum, I ha

half resigned. "Alright. Just make sure

ra said, already h

wly toward the festival grounds. The city felt calm and reflective, a stark contrast to Clara's hurried footsteps as she made her way to the park, running all the way

se forgive me," Clara pan

rms folded. "Clara, what happened?

to calm down. "I overslept again. I don't know w

ate. Training might be over before we even get th

I haven't really been myself. I even upset my mum this morning.

messed up. Honestly, you're not alone. Last

widened. "Wa

mouth about Skye and me. I just snapped. I've had enou

se. "Good for you. He needed s

gh. "I really thought he'

st gotten better at hiding it. And don'

ed. "Yeah, definitely. No feelings

, looks can be deceiving," Anna

should get going. Even if we're late,

he Antares Aquatic Center, their conversation fa

ach Humphrey?" Annalise asked

to project confidence she didn'

o say?" Monica presse

ing to appear nonch

rows shot up.

stupid. He knows you guys are dedicated. You're his best s

skeptical. "You

of anxiety in her stomach. "I do. He's

on the pavement as they hurried toward the aquati

icycle," she muttered, half to hers

ssion was clearly over. Swimmers in team antares were streaming out of the entrance, laughing and talking as they headed for the

ble but laced with clear disappointment. He was dressed in his swimming gear, his well-built frame reflecting years of training and maintaini

them, his vo

d? Why are yo

er of her friends could answer, h

on my friends missed their training," sh

as it a surprise? Displeasure? Perhaps a mix of both

it doesn't repeat

esponded in unison, their voices

haled, foldi

ware of the upcoming competition. We are just two weeks away, and I mus

se words settled on them, a reminder of just how important this c

oed, concern lacing her tone.

itated for a momen

turns are slow, Monica. Annalise

tration bubble inside her. "

enough. You need to focus, work together, and perfect your techniques. If you

ermination flashing in her eyes. "We won

smile broke through his usual serious expression. "I know you will. Th

founded. They weren't just any first-year students; they were athletes who had earned their place through rele

tone, "By the way, congratulations on your acce

ch!" they excla

ed. "You're welcome. Now, get in

ilure wasn't an option and not for them