Serai sat curled on the couch, her eyes fixed on the glowing screen.
The television displayed a bright animated ocean scene, something Eva had shown her earlier.
She had grown oddly attached to the moving colours and musical patterns, even if the language still escaped her.
But then the volume rose.
Not just gradually, sharply, enough to make her flinch.
She turned her head, scanning the room. The remote lay on the coffee table. She glanced at her hands. Empty.
Still, the sound continued to rise.
She reached for the remote, her fingers hesitant. When she pressed the volume down button, nothing happened. Again. Still nothing.
Her gaze narrowed.
Something wasn't right.
A jingle blared from the speakers: "Baby dolphin, doo doo doo doo doo doo—"
Serai blinked, confused by the rhythmic nonsense. "Baybi dohfenn… uhuh?" she echoed, trying to mimic it.
"Baby dolphin, doo doo doo doo doo doo—"
It repeated. Louder.
