Story Summary - The Soleya Mermaids and the Secret of El Cucuy
By Lynda Jenkins
When a strange hush falls over El Paso, the Soleya Mermaids emerge from the Rio Grande to investigate. The shimmer pools are dim, the coyotes are silent, and whispers of an ancient name-El Cucuy-drift on the wind. Following a trail of shimmer clues, they discover not a terrifying monster, but Rey, an old mischief-maker who's been forgotten by the world. Once feared for lurking under beds, Rey now feels lonely and invisible.
Determined to help, Queen Amalthea and her mermaid sisters hatch a "shimmer-scare surprise party" to remind the city that a little spookiness can be fun. With glitter hiccups, tutu leaps, and a mariachi band, Rey's legend transforms from frightening to funny. He becomes a beloved local hero-El Paso's "Ambassador of Spooky Silliness"-turning nightmares into laughter and closets into comedy clubs.
Together, the mermaids and Rey bring joy to misunderstood creatures, from hiccuping cactus spirits to bashful dust bunnies, proving that even the darkest shadows can shimmer when seen with kindness. By the end, El Paso's nights are filled with giggles, glitter, and bedtime mischief-and the Soleya Mermaids once again show that they'll always answer the call when magic and laughter are needed.