The gray storm clouds filled the sky. A lonely car drove on the gravel streets as the sheets of rain poured from the sky. But within a second, our lives can shift.

The vehicle slides, rolling off the cliff at speeds no-one could perceive. Then, with a sudden jerk, the vehicle (which was now badly damaged) Flew off the earth and into the lake below. The murky water seeps through the cracks, trapping the victims in the automobile. But as quickly as it starts, it ends. Large hands pull my mother and I from the car.

My eyes are hazy from the water, but I saw it, as clear as day, a silver tail. A shadow of a merman, a merman old enough to be my father. He looked panicked, as if he was concerned about our safety. I wondered how a creature like him could worry about somebody he didn't know.

I recall the ambulance lights, my mother's face before they buried her, and the one aspect of my savior: their silver tail. Only, as soon as I remembered it was gone. And I was left with the fear of water, my mother's demise, and my abusive father. It’s funny how things can change within a few instants.

But, I didn't know I had my memory was taken. And that everything I knew wasn't reality. It was just a cover up for what was really at play.