Sometimes, Zuko would go to the beach alone after school. He would sit by the beach staring at the endless ocean, wondering if Pammy was really sleeping in the sea.
He read about The Little Mermaid and imagined a scenario where the king of the ocean found her and transformed her into a mermaid princess.
However, his smile quickly faded, and a fleeting moment of sadness crossed his innocent face.
He had planned to take Pammy to Southeast Aciatic for her birthday. Why did she end up asleep at the bottom of the sea?
Was she cold? Was she scared?
Would she still remember a friend like him?
He looked down, and a clear tear fell on his cheek. It dispersed in the air as the wind blew.
…
Many years had passed by. The boy who was at the beach was a man now, but he did not change his habit of staring at the ocean.
"It's late, sir. Let's go home."
Zuko was stunned and raised his head to look at Robert. He glanced at the sunset on the ocean unwillingly before getting up slowly to go with him.
He followed behind him. Watching his back, he reminisced how agile and strong Robert was. His straight back was slightly hunched now. Time was cruel.
"Uncle Robert, I'm not done watching…" Zuko kicked the tiny rocks while walking. "What's the rush?"
"Your parents are home, and the entire family is waiting for you to go home for dinner." Robert smiled helplessly. "All you want is to play like a little boy!"
Zuko shrugged and asked, "Uncle Robert, do you believe in mermaids?"
"What mermaid?"
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