The Shell

The sand was a frying pan beneath my feet, but I didn’t mind. Even with the sun blazing, I continued my labor of collecting shells. After thirty minutes of hard work and toil, I decided to look for seashells in the ocean. I immediately relaxed as I neared the sea, listening to the soothing hiss and boom of the waves.

As the tides washed up again, I saw an attractive-looking conch shell. I held it in my hand, marveling at the smoothness. Then suddenly, I was under the ocean. It took me ten whole minutes to figure out what was happening. I spun around, finding my motions powerful and smooth. Then, I realized the queerest thing- I could breathe underwater. I looked down at my legs, or rather, tail. I had transformed into a mermaid! Then, a brilliant idea struck me. I was holding the shell before I got into this mess. Would holding it again change me back to normal? I examined coral reefs, and after several tense minutes, I spotted the shell. But then, a strong current pulled it away, just inches away from my fingertips. The shell rolled, and I followed it… Right into a cave of jellyfish.

The seashell was on the ground. I paused, thinking this predicament through. I would have to do this cautiously or else. I picked up some pieces of coral. They were dead, but they were still strong. I flung them at the jellyfish, clearing the path. I dived down and grabbed the conch shell, but soon the jellyfish crowded around me. It was a ploy. But then, the conch shell whipped me away before they could sting me. I woke up completely dry. Was I dreaming, or was it magic? I looked at the shell, which was beside me. I would never know.