Chapter 5

He found out from the merman that he lived on this smaller island alone, but that there was a much bigger island close by, where mers and humans lived in peace, secretly. Pebble had wanted some freedom, which was how he ended up here. Pebble was maybe a year or so younger than Gaven. He still had his family and was close to his mother. He lit up when talking about people and things he liked. Gaven found himself charmed.

It took at least a week for Gaven’s fever to break, and for him to be able to go outside and to use the bathroom unaided. It was a small milestone, but one that made Gaven feel strong. Pebble asked about his leg, if that had been caused by the whipping, and Gaven explained how that had come before.