When We Believed in Mermaids

by Barbara O'Neal

realize I’m freaking out a little over a situation I can’t control. Shocking.

swear to God, I miss that dog like a limb.” “Best dog ever.”

“There are seasons of darkness, yes? Loss and sadness all around.” He tightens his grip. “But if you are patient, the circle turns, and then there is happiness all around, everything good, everyone happy.”

He flings a hand out, palm up, as if scattering glitter. “My friend, he just forgot that happiness is part of living too.”