46. Melody's Dilemma

Marlin the clownfish's work near the countryside had lots of surprises. But he was scared of sheep and goats, and he continued to be very lazy. One day, Swifty arrived at the junction, where Melody was angrily pushing carts. Hi, Melody. he said. I see that Marlin left that cart. ''I guess I will have to have an adventure with it. Anybody could think that I'm bored. Listen up,'' Swifty told her. I'll take the cart, and you get my carts. Their workers and the master agreed. It was Melody's first time at the yard. She started to push the carts around. Come on! she said. The carts were upset. ''This is Swifty's yard! Melody does not have a right to show up, and push us about!'' They whispered to each other. ''Pay Melody out! Pay Melody out! Come on!'' called Melody. No trash! Let's give her trash! laughed the silly carts. But they were so quiet, that Melody thought they were helping her out.



They saw a large sign up ahead. All rides must put on stoppers. Eeek! ''Stoppers! Stoppers!'' But before the man could check, the carts pushed Melody past. Keep going! giggled the carts. ''Save me! Save me!'' cried Melody. A man waved a red flag to warn all the rides, but he was too late to switch Melody onto another ground. Trying to control her speed, Melody swam into the yard. ''Eeeek! Oh, no!" A small cart had been damaged. The worker and driver had jumped off, but Melody was stuck. Next day, King Triton came. Swifty and Marlin helped to clean up, but Melody stayed on the damaged cart. We will now try, said the mighty king, to run the branch with Swifty and the clownfish. You have caused a big dilemma, Melody! I'm so sorry, your Majesty. sobbed Melody. You will stay on there, until we're ready. added King Triton. This will teach you to be careful with carts. Melody sighed. The carts moaned beneath her body. She now understood about big dilemmas. King Triton also talked to Marlin. My sea creatures are hard-working! I send lazy ones packing! Marlin felt unhappy. But, Swifty said you were hard-working after Melody had her accident. So, I will give you a second chance. Thanks, your Majesty. Marlin said. I will be hard-working. Swifty said he will help me. ''Good. What Swifty does not know about branch dilemmas is not worth knowing. Swifty is very experienced. Next day, Ariel returned. And Melody was going to be fixed. Ariel's stuff were glad to see her, and she took them for a swim. Everyone is friendly. Swifty taught Marlin something new. He shooed a sheep away just the other day. That's good, don't you think?

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch