Dear Adrina,

 

This has been quite a bizarre adventure, here on the coast. I don’t know how or why, but somehow, I have gone back to summer of 1961. Is this possible? Or am I going crazy? I’m pretty sure all of the people I have met think I’m insane.  Everybody is nice here, but they seem closed off. I don’t think they warm up to outsiders very easily. Boy, if they knew just how much of an outsider I really am! They also seem to have this strange sense of pride—almost excessive. The humans seem so proud and superior because of the fact that they live here. I just don’t think I’m fitting in, and I think they can tell too. I’m hesitant to tell anybody where I am actually from, as the average human does not typically encounter a mermaid on land, or even at all, for that matter. I think I would freak them out, or worse, be put on display somewhere! How awful that would be!

 

Alas, I have been trying to immerse myself in their culture, but it is all so unfamiliar. They have this festival where everybody displays their expensive cars and art. These cars have four wheels and the humans use them to move around on land. Oh! I also tried this activity called “surfing.” It’s where you stand on a long board—made out of some sort of hard material, and try not to fall as it glides on top of the ocean waves. I am sure there is more to it, but that is all I have been able to determine thus far. Strange creatures, these humans.

 

I hope all is well with you back at home and please send everyone my best!

 

I am not sure how long this will take to get to you, or if it will even get to you at all, but I will try to write again soon.

 

 

Love, your sister,

 

Ariel