By Nancy S. Koven
The woman was old-old, a newsprint-swaddled bundle in the backseat, occasional glints of silver in the mirror, a last-minute Philadelphia fare.
“Take me to Atlantic City.” Her voice hissed with the urgency of compressed gas.
I figured she wanted the casinos and air-conditioning, to feed quarters to slot machines, to study cocktail menus by strobe light, make a night of it. But, as we got close, she pointed to the ocean and motioned to stop, offering her purse as payment.
Under the full moon, I watched her slide over dunes, slip into the sea; an escapee market fish returning home, free.
Beautiful.
Great
Interestingly good.
I don’t usually enjoy mermaid stories, but I really loved this one.
I didn’t read it as a mermaid but as a literal fish. I’m curious what Nancy was implying. In any case, it’s so atmospheric, beautiful, and surprising! I love this one!
Lovely, evocative tale
There is something compelling about this story. Good job, Nancy!
There is something compelling about this story. It was worth rereading and sitting with. Nice job, Nancy!