12. Ariel's Fishy Day

When Ariel swam along, she was always looking forward to something very

special. And that special something is: the river. As she swam across

her favorite bridge, she saw some people catching fish. Ariel sometimes wanted

to stay and watch, but the worker said, No. King Triton is counting on us!

Everytime she saw someone, she said, I'm going to catch fish! But everyone

had the same answer. ''You can't go fishing! You're a mermaid! Silly old guppies!''

One day, she stopped to get some water. ''It's out of order? Oh! I'm so thirsty! Don't

worry.'' said the worker. We'll go and fetch some water. They got to the bridge. The worker

lowered the bucket to the water. The bucket was old, so they had to put it in Ariel's mouth very fast.

At last, they were done. I feel better, I feel better! Ariel said. And her stuff followed her away. Then, Ariel's mouth was hurting. Smoke was everywhere. Too much smoke! said the worker. Oh, no! Ariel moaned. I might explode, I might explode! Then, they started again. I'm hurting, I'm hurting! said Ariel. They came to a junction, separated Ariel's stuff, and ran Ariel, who was feeling very ill and full of smoke. When the worker called an inspector, signs were everywhere. ''Danger! Don't come near!'' King Triton and the inspector came. ''Don't worry, Ariel. You'll soon be feeling better.'' The worker explained everything. Her mouth is full. he said. Let's examine her. He looked in Ariel's mouth. Then, he went down. Listen, he said. ''Look in her mouth, and tell me what

you see. Of course!'' said King Triton. He climbed up, and almost fell off! Inspector, he said. I see fish! ''Oh, no!

How did the fish end up in there? We probably fished them by accident! So, Ariel, you and your worker have been going fishing after all!'' King Triton said. ''Those fish are no match for you. We must get them out.'' So they fished the fish out of Ariel's mouth. King Triton told them what to do. After that, they had some fish and chips.

That was nice. said King Triton. ''But the fish were no match for you, Ariel. You must never do it again.''

No, your Majesty! Ariel said. And from that day on, she never caught fish again.

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch