A long time ago, when Rhea was a young mermaid, she heard a child's wish. It wasn't a loud wish, but it carried clearly to her in the ocean currents. A young girl, no older than 4, wished to fall in love before she became 'grown up.' She specified a deadline: she wanted to find true love before her thirtieth birthday. Rhea, young herself and curious about human emotions, remembered this wish. It wasn't a plea for rescue or a demand for treasure, just a simple, deeply felt desire for connection. The simplicity of it, combined with the specific age limit, made it stick in Rhea's memory, unlike the many other wishes she might have passively registered over the years. She didn't fully understand the human concept of 'true love' at the time, but the sincerity of the girl's hope resonated with her. As the years passed, the memory of that specific wish remained with Rhea.

Many years later, Rhea washed ashore one night after a severe storm hit the oceans she was residing in. The storm's currents were unusually strong, pushing her towards the coast. This forced her onto land in an unfamiliar area where the wish-maker lived. The deadline for the wish she had heard years ago was approaching. The human who made the wish was now in their early twenties. The wish itself remained unfulfilled. Rhea knew she could not return to her home in the ocean depths until the wish was completed.

The next morning, Rhea was in a human's pool. The storm from the previous night had filled the pool with seaweed, small fish, and other sea life, making the water murky. She stayed submerged, swimming under the thick layer of debris, trying to remain hidden from the humans she could hear nearby. Despite the inconvenience of her situation, she maintained her concealment. Then, her interest was piqued. She heard a specific voice. At the same moment, the wishing star shard she carried began to glow. This was a clear indication. The human she was destined to help was very close.

Rhea remained hidden until she observed that only the wish-maker was by the pool. She waited for this specific opportunity, ensuring no other individuals were present. Once she confirmed she was alone, she began to emerge from the murky water. She moved slowly, deliberately, rising from beneath the thick layer of seaweed and debris. Her intent was to reveal herself without causing immediate alarm. After fully surfacing, she prepared to introduce herself and explain her unexpected presence. "Hello, are you the one who made a wish upon a falling star many years ago?"