44. Ariel Goes to Breakfast

Ariel the little mermaid worked her branch for years. She knows it well. You know where to go, Ariel. her worker told her. One day, you could do it without me. Ariel got very boastful. She did not know her worker was just playing. Later, she was soon bragging. My worker said I don't need him anymore. Don't be silly! Melody said. I always go with my worker. Swifty added. I would be scared without him. Pah! exclaimed Ariel. I'm not afraid. Don't you dare! ''I will! Wait and see!'' The next day, the foodmaster arrived. Ariel yawned. Soon, her foodbox was burning. Melody and Swifty were sleeping. Then, Ariel remembered. Silly old guppies! she thought. I'll soon show 'em! ''My worker said I could do this. I will just go. Then, I can whoosh! That will teach them!'' Ariel thought she was a smart mermaid. But she was just moving because something messed with the control. Then, she found it safe. She tried to whoosh, but she couldn't. She wanted to make herself stop, but she couldn't. She just kept on swimming. She wasn't looking where she was going. There, was the master's house. He was going to have his breakfast. Oh, no! shouted Ariel, and she closed her eyes. The house was smashed. Some glass had fallen. What a mess! Ariel even found a bush from outside. She looked inside the room. She couldn't talk. The master was mad. His wife handed out the plate. You silly mermaid! she told her. ''You just ruined our breakfast! Now I will make some more!'' The door banged. More things fell. It had fallen on Ariel. Ariel felt very silly. Men used strong poles to prop up the house. Then, Tip and Dash came. ''Did you hurt yourself, Ariel? We'll soon have you out of there!'' they said. Tip and Dash, working very hard, pulled Ariel back on solid ground. Some fencing, the bush, and the window frames had damaged Ariel's front. She looked very bad. Tip and Dash left her there. Ariel felt bad. Worse came. You are a really silly mermaid! ''Yes, your Majesty. Sorry, your Majesty.'' Ariel's voice had been muffled, because the bush was near her face. ''You will go to the fix-it yard. Maybe the people there can mend you. It will take a long time. Yes, your Majesty. While you are gone, a clownfish will do your work. A clownfish, your Majesty?'' muffled Ariel. ''Yes, Ariel. Clownfish always stay in bed until they're needed. Clownfish never go about and crash into masters' houses. by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch''