She hates the fake tail - it's too tight around her waist, and the material rubs against her skin - but it's part of the gig, no matter how much she wished it wasn't, and she's obligated to wear it for now.

There are plenty of ways to make money, they'd told her when she first arrived, but never expected it would come to this...degradation; she never expected to have to pretend like some kind of monster, but she quickly learned that people believe what they want, and still fear what is unfamiliar.

When her work shift is over, and she's moved to an unnoticed part of the beach, she sheds both the artificial tail and her own legs, allowing her natural tail - so much more beautiful and comfortable than the costume - to soak in the sea water, and longs for the day she no longer has to hide who she is.