Blake paused on the bridge, the sound of waves crashing below mingling with Maya's soft whimpers. He turned around as he heard her little feet pattering quickly towards him.
"Maya," he said, kneeling down to her level, concern etched on his face. "What’s wrong?"
She looked up at him, her eyes glistening with tears. "Laylah said you were a bad guy..." Her voice cracked, and she wiped her tears with the back of her tiny hand. "She told me you’re from the surface."
Blake's heart sank. "Maya, listen to me. Laylah might be scared of things she doesn’t understand. I'm not a bad guy. I just come from a different place."
"But why did she say that?" Maya sniffled, her lower lip trembling. "I thought you were my friend!"
Blake sighed, realizing how much this weighed on her. "Sometimes people say things to protect us. They don't know the whole story. But I promise you, I care about you. I would never hurt you."
Maya looked at him, her innocence shining through the sadness. "But… how do I know you're telling the truth?"
He carefully reached for her small hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You can feel it, Maya. Look at my eyes. I’m not here to scare you. I want to help you and be a friend.”
Maya's expression softened, and after a moment, she nodded. "Okay... but if you’re not a bad guy, then what are you?"
Blake smiled softly, relieved. "I’m just someone who wants to understand this beautiful world under the sea, just like you. Can we be friends?"
She hesitated for a heartbeat before a small smile broke through. "Okay! Friends!"
Blake chuckled, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Good. Now, let’s go explore together. What do you want to see first?"
Maya wiped her tears away and said, “Can we see the colorful fish? And maybe find a treasure?”
“Absolutely,” Blake replied, standing tall and holding out his hand. “Lead the way, my brave explorer.”
Maya beamed, taking his hand as they walked along the bridge together, the sun glistening on the ocean around them, ready for an adventure.