Sole was trying to think of what other things he could share with Rhea. The thing she was currently obsessing over were mermaids. Sole almost regretted showing her that movie with the small mermaid. Rhea had watched the film numerous times. She would even burst into song from time to time. Sole was happy she found something she liked so much, but part of him felt like he might go crazy if he heard any more of her singing. He was almost tempted to leave his home. 

“Hey Sole, what do you think I would look like as a mermaid?” Rhea asked, looking at her legs, as if she could will them to transform into a mermaid tail. 

“Hard to say.” Sole thought it over.Rhea looked at him expectantly. Sole felt the pressure coming on. He didn’t want to disappoint her. “I have an idea. I have a friend that has a webcomic about mermaids. Their drawings are excellent. I’ll message her and maybe she could sketch something.” 

“I like that idea very much!” Rhea said, she was practically vibrating with excitement.

“I’ll message her right away.” Sole smiled. Sole messaged her. He also tried picturing Rhea as a mermaid. She did seem like the fish out of water type. “Just be aware we may not get a response right away. She is a busy woman. I’m not even sure if she really remembers me.” Rhea’s excitement faltered, she reminded Sole of a balloon that was losing air. “I promise you whatever she creates will be worth the wait.” Sole knew she was a talented artist. “In the meantime, give her comic a read.” Sole opened the comic for Rhea on a tablet. “Maybe it will spark some ideas?” Sole handed Rhea the tablet. Rhea looked like a dog with two tails in that moment. She must have been happy to get more mermaid content.

“Sole? If your friend made this, why is your name here?” Rhea asked, and turned her head slightly. 

“I may have helped her with the title.” Sole said feeling embarrassed. Sole didn’t think she would remember him yet she had put his name alongside her work. SOle had almost felt moved to tears.

“That’s so cool!” Rhea said and gave Sole a hug. She must have picked up on his feelings. Rhea knew exactly how to comfort Sole whenever he needed it. Sole was grateful for her. Sole wished he could give Rhea the world. She deserved to explore the world and take in its sights and sounds. SOle resolved himself to start trying for her. The tablet pinged. Sole had gotten a message. It was from Nadia, the aforementioned mermaid artist.

“Here’s the sketch!” The message from Nadia read. 

“I LOOK SO PRETTY!I LOVE IT! IT’S BETTER THAN I COULD HAVE IMAGINED! TELL HER SHE’S THE BEST!” Rhea was shouting and shaking Sole. Sole hadn’t expected such a visceral reaction. Sole smiled again and felt he had traded places with Rhea. Now he was the one comforting her. Sole conveyed Rhea’s gratitude to Nadia. Nadia was appreciative, and asked Sole when they would meet again. Sole thought this over, probably for too long and he told her he would let her know when he was free. He felt he owed her that much at least. Maybe a trip to the beach? Sole had missed the feeling of sunlight on his skin. He hadn’t felt the sun's rays in almost a year.