The way the light refracted off the pool water reminded me of Sapphires in the sun. Leaks of light dancing in shades of cerulean blue against the dim and dreary laboratory.

Dr. Schafer had his own personal aquarium where we studied the rarer or unidentifiable species we’d find on our expeditions. The whereabouts and knowledge of its very existence was secure with a select group of marine biologis...

She woke up.

With the discomfort of being seconds old, her eyelids broke open, peering through the blurry vision and bright hospital lights. The struggle for a first breathe came quickly after, followed by her piercing cry.

Like everything new, fear accompanied her here, the first of many intimidating, pivotal moments for this infant soul.

“Penelope,” the feminine sound was gentle like silk, ...