The Mermaid of Druid Lake, and Other Stories

"The Mermaid of Druid Lake, and Other Stories" by Charles Weathers Bump is a collection of imaginative adventures from a time gone by. The stories weave together fantasy and reality, as seen through the characters, such as Edwin Horton, whose early morning walk results in discovering a beautiful mermaid in Druid Hill Park. Themes of love, what is real, and finding magic in the ordinary emerge as Edwin, unable to sleep one June night, meets the mermaid and is captivated by her. Their connection grows through playful conversations, and Edwin is eager to share her enchanting world with his friend Tom. This leads to a mishap during a lively motorcar ride, making the mermaid disappear. This tale sets the tone for the rest of the stories, combining the strange with the common.