Now alone on the platform, Nexha sighed, watching the water crash against the ramp.

  — Now I’m going to make a wheelchair so I can move around better here.

  He took some dried moray-seaweed and started cutting it into small fiber pieces to weave a sturdy seat. Then, he moved on to the wheels. He made the inner part using the hardest moray-seaweed he could find. With patience, he used freshly harvested ones to shape the circumference, tying them tightly for stability. Finally, he assembled the axle.

  The first prototype was unstable. He tried to sit down, but the chair tipped over.

  — This is useless! — he grumbled, frustrated.

  — N-Nexha… d-do you need help?

  He turned around upon hearing the hesitant voice and saw Nalu emerging from the water, curiously observing the chair. It seemed she had been there for a while, but he hadn't even noticed.

  — Yeah, I need some. Do you know anything about this?

  Nalu looked away for a moment, a faint blush appearing on her face.

  — Uhm… I think I understood a little while watching.

  Nexha perked up.

  — So you know how to make this sturdier?

  She nodded shyly and approached the chair. She touched the structure delicately, analyzing the bindings.

  — The seaweed… is good, but… y-you used the wrong ones. These older ones are more brittle. We’ll have to get new ones.

  Nexha blinked.

  — Ah, that makes sense!

  Nalu took one of the bindings and untied it, redoing the knot with more firmness. Her movements were careful and precise, and Nexha realized she actually knew what she was doing.

  — A-and here… — She pointed at the wheels. You need something… to hold the axle better. If you put a piece of bone… i-it’ll spin more smoothly…

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  Nexha scratched his chin, impressed.

  — Wow, Nalu, you know a lot!

  She shrank back a little, playing with her hair.

  — J-just simple things… I used to watch a lot…

  — Well, your observations are amazing! This is going to make the chair way better.

  Nalu gave a small but pleased smile.

  Together, they worked on the new model. Following Nalu’s advice, Nexha remade the wheels with seaweed and reinforced them, adding an improvised support to the axle for smoother movement.

  After a few hours, the second test was much more successful. Nexha managed to slide across the platform, moving around easily.

  — Wow, Nalu, thank you so much! You helped me a lot.

  She looked down at her feet, a bit shy, but with a satisfied glimmer in her eyes.

  — I’m glad I could help…

  Nexha tilted his head slightly, trying to peek at her face.

  — You’re really shy today, huh?

  Nalu’s eyes widened, and she took a step back, blushing.

  — I-I… n-no… it’s just… um… that’s not something a child should know!

  He found her reaction a bit strange.

  — Tell me, what is it?

  She turned even redder and avoided his gaze.

  To ease the tension, Nexha changed the subject.

  — Hey, do you know how to make other things?

  Nalu hesitated but then nodded slowly.

  — Y-yes… He used to make nets, bone harpoons… and fishing traps…

  Nexha’s eyes sparkled.

  — Really? That would be super useful! Could you teach me some of that?

  She seemed thoughtful for a moment before nodding again.

  — I-I can try…

  He grinned widely.

  — Awesome! But first, let’s test this chair properly.

  Nexha practiced using his new invention, sliding across the platform much more smoothly than before.

  Later, he showed the chair to the others while cooking some fish.

  — Nexha, can I use that too? — Lilay asked excitedly.

  — I’ll make one for you another day.

  The family gathered around the platform for a lively dinner, eating fried fish and happily chatting.

  That night, when Nexha lay down, he couldn’t fall asleep right away. His mind was calmer and satisfied after completing his project.

  But one question still lingered in his head: Why was Nalu acting so weird today?

  He kept thinking and thinking, but nothing came to mind. Then, he heard Krahs and Nalu talking outside. He hid near the door and listened.

  — I can’t help you, Nalu, I’m too old to have offspring.

  — But… I really need to… If I don’t, I’ll end up…

  — Nalu, I recommend you travel closer to the coast to find a partner. I saw a diverse group trading on a small island. Zhaelor could accompany you if you need protection… But know that neither he nor I are at the age to reproduce anymore.

  — I understand… I’ll talk to him… Thanks, Krahs.

  She swam away, looking even more downcast than before. Nexha’s jaw dropped.

  — I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear any of that…

  — Nexha, you know it’s rude to spy, right?

  He slowly turned his head, only to see Krahs glaring at him.