9. Silly Carts

Flounder had not seen King Triton for a long time. He was in bed for being silly. He wasn't allowed to take wagons or carts. Oh, my! he said. I will stay in bed forever, and no one will see my yellow body with blue stripes again. All because I went so fast and broke one of my wagons, and it had to be fixed with a shoelace. At last, King Triton came.

I see you're upset, Flounder, and I hope that you will be a proper fish. ''You have been very silly. People are laughing''

at my kingdom. I'm really sorry your Majesty.'' said Flounder. I will be classy and sassy. That's a good fish! said King Triton. I want you to take some carts. Flounder was happy and swam off. There are your carts, Flounder. said Ariel. Got any shoelaces?" And Ariel swam away, chuckling. Ouch! the carts cried We want someone else, and not''

a yellow and blue dragon!'' Flounder ignored them, and started when the whistle blew. Hurry, hurry, hurry! he said. No, no, no! said the carts. But Flounder ignored them, and he pulled them away. The carts tried their best''

to stop him, but he still kept going. Sometimes, their stoppers would slip. And sometimes, their wheels would get hot. And every time, the trouble had to be fixed. And every time, Flounder would go on, trying not to let them stop

him. Stop, stop! You can't do it! said the carts. Yes I can, yes I can! said Flounder. And he kept pulling them. Soon, they saw Scuttle's hill. Watch out, Flounder! warned the worker. ''We'll go a little bit faster! Don't let them beat you!'' Flounder went a little faster, and they were almost up. I can do it! he cried. When will the top come?

Then, some of the carts got separated. ''Hooray! I did it! Yee-haw!'' But the worker put on the stoppers. ''They did it again! We've lost the others!'' Some of the carts were rolling down Scuttle's hill. A man stopped them, and went to warn the sea creatures that were coming. That's probably why it was so easy! said Flounder. What stupid things carts are! Should I help, Flounder?" asked Ray-Ray. No, thanks. said Flounder. I can do it. Don't let them stop you! You're doing fine. cheered Ray-Ray, as Flounder went up. I'll do it! I'll do it! he said. He pulled them with all his might. Hooray! I did it! he cried excitedly. They reached the junction, and Flounder had a little rest, when Ray-Ray came. Eeeeeek! he said. Then, Flounder saw King Triton. Oh, my! said Flounder. King Triton was actually happy. I was in Ray-Ray's carts, and I know all about it. You are both classy and sassy. Now, you can have your blue hair forever!

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch