57. Tip's Crown

Attina the sensible mermaid, worked very hard in the yard, at the junction. Sometimes, she took wagons. Sometimes, she pushed carts. But whatever she had to do, Attina was classy and sassy, and got it done. One day, Attina was in her bed, when King Triton came. ''Your work around here was good. Do you want a branch of your own? Oh, thanks, your Majesty!'' Attina said. So Attina took over her very own branch. She loved her responsibility. It went along the coast across the seaside, until it reaches where the boats arrive. Attina loved to explore all the sights of her branch. The sea air went all around her. Her crown was shining brightly. It's almost like a holiday! she thought. You know what they say, her worker said, A nice adventure is better than anything. Now, Attina was very busy. King Triton was building a brand new junction. Attina got the carts where they had to go. Pumbaa took care of Attina's people, and everyone else helped. But it wasn't easy. It was noisy and dusty. Never mind. said Swifty. The new junction is almost finished. And right on time. added Attina. Attina enjoyed her responsibility very much. She never stopped talking about it. You don't know Tip, how much King Triton loves me. So, you say. thought Tip. I'm a senible mermaid, and... Crown, crown. ''Crown? What? You heard me. You have a crown. You look like a queen. You eek, and let everybody sleep! Crown, eh?'' said Attina grumpily. The next day, she talked to her worker. Tip said I look like a queen. You look like a queen, eh? said her driver. Then, he told Attina and her worker something. They wanted to tease Tip back, and surprise him for Attina. Everyone was busy, and no more was said. Not even about crowns. But when Tip fell asleep, Atiina's worker and driver put something on his back. The next day, when Tip went for a drink, he found an unexpected stowaway. A little crown was on his back. What have we there? asked Tip. The crown was magic. Stuff was put in it, and it stayed on Tip's back. Everyone loved to tease Tip. But then, the crown had to go to the junction, and stayed there. That night, Tip's worker and driver were very busy. And when morning came, when Attina's crew came, they laughed as hard as they could. Look, Attina! said her woorker. ''Look what's on your tail! It's a magic crown!'' Tip finally woke up. ''Oh, my? Did you put in on your head, Attina? Who knows?'' Then, Attina began to laugh. ''You won, Tip! It would take more than a smart aleck to figure that out!'' There was a pool full of crowns. They float, and people welcome the sea creatures while they pass. The master calls the crown, Tippy, but it is known to the world as, Tip's Crown.

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch