3. Marina's Story

Once, there was a mermaid, pulling wagons. She was very afraid of the rain. She went into a hole, and didn't come out.

The mermaid's name was Marina. Her worker and driver were talking to her, but she refused to come out. The rain will destroy my tail fins. she said. The whistle blew as loud as it could, and the flag waved as hard as it could. Marina remained in the hole, and dumped dust. I will not destroy my tail fins for you. said Marina. Then, along came King Triton, the ruler of the mer-people. We will do some pulling. said King Triton. Marina just dumped dust on him. So everybody pulled, except for King Triton. Because, he said. My nurse has told me not to pull. But still, Marina remained in the hole. So they did some pushing. King Triton counted, ''One, two, three! Push!''

But he wasn't helping. My nurse has told me not to push. said King Triton. They pushed with all

their might, but still, Marina remained in the hole. Soon, Ariel arrived. The flag waved, and Ariel stopped. Everyone

spoke to Marina. It stopped raining. they said. It will soon start again. complained Marina. And what would happen to my tail fins? Ariel pushed with all her might. But still, Marina remained in the hole. Everyone, even

King Triton, gave up. We will take away your clothes! he said. And leave you here forever and ever! They took away her clothes, and built a wall in front of Marina, so that she couldn't move. Now all Marina could do, was watch the others swim around. She was upset, because she thought no one would ever see her splendid tail fins again. Sometimes, Ray-Ray and Scuttle would come by. Ray-Ray would go, Eek! Hi there! And Scuttle would go, Squawk! Good for you! Poor Marina didn't say a word. She felt ill. Dust from the hole had destroyed her tail fins anyhow. But I think she got what she deserved, don't you?

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch