How Does The Protagonist Care For The Mermaid In 'Diary Of Raising A Mermaid'?

The protagonist in 'Diary of Raising a Mermaid' treats the mermaid like a cherished family member. They create a custom saltwater pool with temperature control to mimic the ocean's conditions, adding coral reefs and seaweed for comfort. Daily meals consist of fresh seafood, specially prepared to retain nutrients. The protagonist studies mermaid behavior, learning to communicate through gestures and sounds. They even install a moonlit viewing area because the mermaid is most active at night. Protective measures include soundproofing the room to prevent stress from loud noises. The care extends to emotional support—reading aloud and playing gentle music to soothe the mermaid during storms, which trigger anxiety. Over time, they develop a bond where the mermaid voluntarily shares treasures like pearls and seashells.

In 'Diary of Raising a Mermaid', the protagonist’s approach is scientific yet deeply empathetic. They document everything from water pH levels to the mermaid’s sleep cycles in a dedicated journal. The habitat isn’t just a pool; it’s a biotope with tidal simulations using hidden pumps to recreate wave patterns. Nutrition is meticulously planned—live fish for hunting practice, kelp supplements for calcium, and even vitamin-enriched shrimp for vibrant scale health.

The protagonist notices the mermaid responds to human emotions, so they practice calmness during interactions. When the mermaid shows signs of loneliness, they introduce a robotic fish companion that mimics movement. Surprisingly, the mermaid teaches the protagonist underwater sign language, like tapping twice for "hungry" or swirling fingers for "play." Storm days involve weighted blankets draped over the tank to dampen thunder vibrations, a trick borrowed from aquarium stress studies.

Their bond evolves into mutual care. The protagonist contracts a fever, and the mermaid leaves damp seaweed on their pillow—later discovered to have medicinal properties. The story subtly critiques captivity ethics, showing the protagonist building a retractable roof so the mermaid can watch migrating birds, a compromise between freedom and safety.

The relationship in 'Diary of Raising a Mermaid' feels like a cross-species friendship. The protagonist doesn’t just feed the mermaid; they learn her preferences—she adores raw scallops but rejects squid unless it’s sliced thinly. Instead of formal training, they play games like hide-and-seek with glowing toys or race along the pool’s length. The mermaid’s personality shines through; she splashes water to demand attention or sings haunting melodies that make the protagonist’s plants grow unnaturally fast.

Care focuses on mental stimulation. The protagonist projects ocean documentaries onto the wall, and the mermaid mimics dolphin leaps afterward. During full moons, they paint together using seaweed brushes, creating abstract art. Physical health is monitored through scale luster—dullness triggers a vet visit. When the mermaid sheds scales naturally, the protagonist preserves them in resin as keepsakes.

The story’s brilliance lies in small details. The protagonist stops wearing perfumes because the scents irritate the mermaid’s gills. They also negotiate with local fishermen for "ugly" fish that supermarkets reject, ensuring diverse diets. Their biggest challenge? Explaining fireworks as "sky coral" to prevent panic during festivals.