Chapter 18: The Girl and the Shark
The sun was still hiding behind soft clouds when we arrived at the popular aquarium in the city.
To be honest, I haven’t been to one since I was a child so I was probably as excited as the other kids that I brought.
Luc arranged everything. Exclusive access. No other visitors. It must have cost a fortune, but I suppose the Roen Group could afford it. It was a perk that came with seemingly infinite amount of wealth, but at the same time I kind of felt bad about other kids who might have visited today only to be turned away at the door.
Cain drove the transport vehicle. Abe handed out snacks like an overexcited elder brother. I sat sandwiched between an energetic boy who couldn’t sit still and Bada. She sat quietly to my right, hugging a small stuffed shark, patting its head occasionally.
The inside of the aquarium was serene. Water refracted through curved glass tunnels that arched above us. Blue shade cast on children’s smiling faces as they marveled at the magnificent sight of ocean life transported to the city.
Bada clung to my sleeve as we entered the main hall.
"There are over two hundred species here," she whispered, eyes wide. "Some of them are endangered."
"You sound like a tour guide," I smiled.
"I watched the documentary five times."
Of course she did.
The first tank was filled with jellyfish. Ethereal, translucent, pulsing. The children ran from tank to tank, squealing at each new discovery, but Bada lingered. She pressed her palms to the glass and it followed the motion of the jellyfish as if she was trying to communicate with it. .