In a hidden island village surrounded by the deep blue sea, the sun gleamed above. Lila, with her warm smile, crushed herbs in her stone mortar.

Her little shop smelled of lavender and rosemary. Lila hummed a tune, a tune from the sea, as the villagers came with their coughs and aches.

But Lila held a secret. Only Brian, a kind village boy, knew it. She was not just a healer. Lila was a mermaid.

Long ago, a sea witch cursed Lila for her beautiful voice. Now, Lila could not touch the sea, or she'd turn to sea foam.

Brian often helped Lila gather herbs. He never told her secret. He knew Lila's heart was kind and her remedies saved many.

With every remedy Lila gave, whispers grew. People began to suspect. 'Why do her potions work so well?' they wondered.

Rumors spread of mermaids' blood having magic—a cure for all. The villagers did not know how right and yet how wrong they were.

One day, a sickness fell over the island. Lila knew what she must do. With a heavy heart, she added a drop of her blood to her potion.

The sickness waned, but at a cost. Lila grew weaker and her scales began to show. Brian saw and grew worried for his friend.

As Lila helped the sick, her tail began to shimmer through her dress. The villagers started to piece together the truth.

One evening, Brian visited Lila. He found her gazing longingly at the ocean. 'I must leave,' she confessed, 'before they find out.'

Tears in his eyes, Brian understood. 'But you've saved us all,' he said. And as the moon rose, he promised to guard her secret forever.