She is beautiful.

Golden scales reflecting the sun. She swims so freely, like she’s gliding through the water. Her tail flows like a silken veil.

Yes, she is beautiful… just like him.

Strong and fierce, his silver fins are full. A blue streak runs up his spine. He swims around her in circles, body moving as one with the water.

They are perfect for each other. I know that. I remind myself I know that. But that knowledge doesn’t keep the feelings pounding through me.

I am not beautiful. My scales are a dull gray where they should be a sleek black. A tear in my tail keeps me from swimming smoothly, and my fins are lopsided.

Tucking myself deeper into the seagrass, I wistfully watch him swim with her. Her eyes shine when she turns to him and I imagine it’s me she sees.

But it is not. She doesn’t even notice me as they coast past. I am as invisible as the snail creeping along the gravel beneath me.

She will never see me.

Never know me.

Never love me.

I wish I could cry. Maybe I am. If so, surely, by this point, all I’m swimming in is tears.