The mermaid reappeared, shimmering with golden light, delighted with joy.
The girl, Kasha, called out: "Welcome back!"
Kasha added: "You look like treasures of gold behind you, and you seem so happy."
The mermaid replied: "Water spots have appeared in all the seas, leaping with joy, sparkling white. Inside them is written: 'We have frozen bombs and missiles. The sound of war has disappeared.'"
Kasha said: "You are dancing!"
The mermaid answered: "Yes, on the water. Better than them—dancing only on a mirage."
Kasha asked: "You mean they live in a mirage?"
The mermaid shook her head: "Rather, they swim in a mirage, always looking for a way out."
Kasha asked softly: "Where are you going next?"
The mermaid replied: "Those water spots will evaporate us, and we will reach the clouds. We will complete the task, and the rain will drop me on top of the mountain. Then the waterfall will carry me away."
She added: "Farewell, sister. If the war is over, wait for me at the Steuben Van waterfall."
Kasha cried out: "Goodbye, sister! We will meet again soon."
And with that, the mermaid disappeared.
Kasha and the pilot, Shenmu, returned to the plane. As they walked, Kasha asked him:
"Do you know where the waterfall is?"
The pilot replied: "No, but I think the commander might have information about it."
When they reached the plane, they boarded.
The pilot started the engine, looked at the commander, and signaled with his hand. The commander pointed back toward the base and said: "Let's go."