Julian is a Mermaid

Published on: Nov 04, 2024

Reading time: 8 min

Julian gazes in wonder at a group of mermaids on the subway, a moment that sparks his imagination and desire to explore his own unique identity.

Julian is a Mermaid is a Realistic Fiction from United States set in the Contemporary This Poetic tale explores themes of Courage and is suitable for Children. It offers Moral insights. A story of finding the courage to be true to oneself, with a little magic along the way.

Julian, a young boy with a gentle smile and curious mind, spent his days dreaming of the sea. His life was filled with stories, and his abuela, a kind, wise woman with sparkling eyes, often told him tales of magnificent underwater worlds filled with shimmering fish, vibrant corals, and magical creatures. Julian's favorite of all these creatures was the mermaid. They seemed so free, beautiful, and filled with wonder. He wished, more than anything, to become a mermaid, too.

One warm summer day, Julian and his abuela rode the subway together. Julian loved these rides, the rumble and the sounds making it seem like a journey to a distant place. But this day was different. As the train rattled along, Julian’s gaze drifted to a group of people seated across from them. They were draped in bright colors, their hair adorned with flowers and shells, their faces painted with joy and confidence. Julian could hardly believe it. They looked like mermaids.

He gazed at them, wide-eyed, wondering if they were real. The colors, the shimmer, and their soft laughter filled the air like music. Julian could almost hear the waves crashing around him, almost feel the saltwater against his skin. He was captivated, lost in the magic of that moment.

“Abuela,” he whispered, tugging at her sleeve. “Did you see them?”

His abuela smiled, her eyes twinkling knowingly. “Yes, mijo,” she said, her voice gentle. “They are beautiful, aren’t they?”

Julian nodded, words failing him as he watched the vibrant mermaids laugh and move with a grace that seemed otherworldly. He felt a spark of something new inside him, a desire he hadn’t understood until that moment. He wanted to be like them, to feel the freedom and beauty they embodied.

When they got off the subway and returned to Abuela’s house, Julian couldn’t shake the memory of the mermaids. The colors, the shimmer, the joy—they had filled him up like sunlight. His heart beat with a strange excitement, a mix of awe and longing that was both thrilling and scary.

A Dream Begins

That night, Julian went to bed with thoughts of the mermaids dancing in his mind. As he drifted to sleep, he dreamed of the ocean. He dreamed of swimming deep beneath the waves, his legs transforming into a powerful tail that glided smoothly through the water. The sea was endless, filled with creatures of every shape and color, all gliding alongside him, welcoming him as one of their own.

When Julian woke up, he felt different. He had always loved the sea and its mysteries, but now he felt a deeper connection. It was as though he had found a part of himself he never knew existed. Julian looked in the mirror and wondered what it would be like to look like a mermaid, just like the people he’d seen on the subway.

“Maybe I can be a mermaid too,” he whispered to his reflection, his voice full of hope and excitement.

Julian, in a makeshift mermaid tail and flowers, stands joyfully in front of a mirror at home. — At home, Julian joyfully dresses as a mermaid, embracing his true self with newfound confidence.

Transformations

With a spark of inspiration, Julian began to gather things around the house. He found some beautiful, shimmery fabric in Abuela’s sewing box, long and flowing, just like a mermaid’s tail. He wrapped it around himself and felt a rush of joy as it trailed behind him like the elegant tail he’d seen in his dreams. He looked in the mirror and smiled, feeling a sense of pride and joy.

He added flowers to his hair, delicate and colorful, as he’d seen the mermaids wear. He held his chin high, pretending he was swimming through the sea, strong and graceful. In that moment, he felt more like himself than ever before.

But then a thought struck him. What would Abuela think? He didn’t know how she’d feel about him dressing this way, about wanting to be a mermaid. He worried she might not understand.

The Surprise

Just as he was lost in thought, Julian heard footsteps. Abuela had returned home, and she was calling his name. Julian froze, a mix of excitement and fear bubbling within him. He wasn’t sure how to explain this new feeling inside him, this desire to be a mermaid.

Abuela found him, standing in his homemade tail and flower crown, his eyes wide with anticipation. He watched her closely, waiting to see her reaction.

For a moment, she simply looked at him, taking in his transformation. Julian held his breath, his heart pounding, unsure of what she would say.

And then, a warm smile spread across her face. “Mijo,” she said gently, “you are beautiful.”

Her words wrapped around Julian like a hug, filling him with relief and joy. Abuela took his hand, her eyes sparkling with love and understanding.

“If you want to be a mermaid, then a mermaid you shall be,” she told him with a proud nod.

Julian’s heart soared. He had feared she wouldn’t understand, but here she was, accepting him fully, encouraging him to follow his dreams.

Julian, dressed as a mermaid, joins a colorful neighborhood parade celebrating diversity. — Julian steps into the parade, feeling accepted and celebrated as he joins others expressing their true selves.

The Parade

A few days later, Abuela had a surprise for Julian. She took him to a vibrant parade in their neighborhood, one that celebrated diversity, color, and self-expression. People were dressed in every color of the rainbow, with costumes that sparkled and shone. Julian’s eyes widened as he saw even more people dressed as mermaids, each one unique and beautiful in their own way.

Abuela gently nudged him forward. “Go on, mijo,” she said, encouraging him to join in.

With a shy smile, Julian stepped forward, his heart racing with excitement and a touch of nervousness. He joined the procession, surrounded by people who embraced him with open arms, cheering him on as he danced and swayed, his homemade tail trailing behind him.

He felt the freedom and joy he had dreamed of, surrounded by others who celebrated his choice, who welcomed him as he was. The music and laughter filled the air, and Julian felt a deep happiness he’d never known before. He was a mermaid, at last.

Embracing Identity

As the parade ended, Julian found himself filled with gratitude and love. He looked around at the people, each of them expressing themselves freely, without fear or hesitation. He realized that being a mermaid wasn’t just about wearing a tail or flowers; it was about embracing who you truly are, about finding the courage to express yourself, no matter what others might think.

Abuela watched him, her face beaming with pride. She knew that Julian had found something precious, something that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Julian hugged her tightly, feeling a deep sense of appreciation for her understanding, her love, and her support.

“Thank you, Abuela,” he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

Abuela smiled, patting his back gently. “Always be true to yourself, mijo. That’s what makes you beautiful.”

Julian holds Abuela — After the parade, Julian and Abuela share a moment of pride and understanding, bonded by her acceptance.

Reflection

Back at home, Julian sat by the mirror, gazing at his reflection. He thought about all the moments that had led him here—the subway ride, the dream, Abuela’s understanding, and the parade. He realized he was not only a mermaid; he was Julian, a unique and special person with dreams and hopes that made him who he was.

With a deep breath, he smiled at his reflection. The journey he’d taken, though short, had changed him in ways he hadn’t imagined. Julian knew that he would always carry this experience with him, no matter where life led him.

From that day forward, Julian wore his mermaid tail with pride, both in his heart and in his dreams. He knew that being a mermaid was part of who he was, a part that made him feel strong, confident, and happy.

A New Beginning

Each day after that, Julian embraced his identity more fully. He continued to dream, to explore, and to express himself freely. He found courage in his heart, knowing that he had Abuela’s support, that he had the strength to be true to himself.

Whenever he felt unsure, he would think of the parade, the colors, and the people who had celebrated with him. He remembered the way Abuela had looked at him, her face filled with love and acceptance. It gave him the strength to face any challenges, to embrace himself fully, without fear or doubt.

Julian knew that the journey was only beginning, that there was a whole world waiting for him to explore, filled with possibilities and new dreams. And he knew that as long as he stayed true to himself, he would always be a mermaid, in his heart and in his spirit.

Julian sits by the shore at sunset, peacefully reflecting on his journey and identity. — Julian, watching the waves at sunset, feels a calm acceptance, grateful for the courage to be himself.

Epilogue: A Mermaid’s Heart

Years passed, and Julian grew, his heart always carrying the memory of that day. He continued to celebrate his identity, to embrace his dreams, and to encourage others to do the same. Julian knew that being a mermaid was more than a costume or a tail; it was a symbol of freedom, love, and acceptance. And he knew that as long as he held onto those values, he would always be a mermaid, no matter where life took him.

Julian’s story became an inspiration to others, a reminder that everyone has the right to be themselves, to express their true nature without fear or judgment. And

for Julian, being a mermaid was a way of life, a beautiful reminder of the courage it took to be true to himself.

As he walked along the shore, feeling the sand beneath his feet and the waves brushing against his toes, Julian smiled, his heart full of peace and happiness. He was a mermaid, and he was proud.