27. Ariel, Melody, and the Food

It was a beautiful day in Atlantica. Ariel's red hair was shining in the sun, as she swam along with her stuff. She was proud of herself. Hi, Ariel. said Melody. You look cheerful. ''That's right. said Ariel. Red hair is the only suitable hair for me. ''I don't think so. I like my bald head.'

Swifty said. And I like my black hair. I don't want

to look like anything else.'' added Melody. ''Pah! Well anyhow; red hair is the only hair suitable for me!'' Ariel said again. Everybody knows. Melody didn't say anything.''

She just smiled at Swifty. Later, Ariel was having a rest, when Melody came. A big shoot was filling her carts with food.

Ariel was still being fussy. Be careful. she told Melody. Watch out with the stupid carts! Keep going, keep going, keep going! said the carts. By the way, Ariel said, that sign doesn't look so safe! Everything went on

Ariel. Help me! cried Ariel. Get me out of here! Melody chuckled. Ariel's red hair was covered with food, and she was very dirty. Ha, ha! said Melody. You don't look like a mermaid anymore. she said. You look silly!

I'm not silly! said Ariel. ''You wanted that to happen. Get me out of here!'' It took almost forever to clean Ariel.

She was late for her next load. Swifty took Ariel's stuff. Poor Ariel. said one part of Ariel's stuff. They were unhappy. Ariel was very angry that night. Swifty thought it was funny, but Melody was angry at Ariel for getting

her hair dirty. Nice to see a mermaid like Ariel become a laughingstock of King Triton's kingdom. Next day, Ariel

felt better seeing Melody bring her carts. They were heavy, and poor Melody was overworked. Have some water.

said her worker. Then, you'll feel better. The water fountain was near some unsafe signs. Melody wasn't looking

where she was going. And the signs wouldn't stop her. Oh, no! said Melody. Somebody, help! The sign was broken, and Melody was very dirty. It was time for Ariel to go. She saw it all. Now, Melody's learned a new lesson. she thought. That night, the two mermaids apologized to each other. I'm sorry, Ariel. Melody said. Do you know that? Of course I do. said Ariel. ''And I'm sorry I was silly. Your black hair is very special.''

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch