18. Food

One day, Marina was feeling very sad. Sometimes she could take wagons. And sometimes, she felt she couldn't I go through a lot, and nobody understands. she said. Oh, trash, Marina! said Flounder. You're just lazy! King Triton had a talk with her. ''You are doing bad, Marina. You had new skin, and new parts, but they are not helping. If we can't help you, we will replace you with another mermaid.'' This made Marina even more miserable. King Triton waited at the flatform, when Marina came. He took off his crown, and put on a hat. Marina started, but her driver wasn't happy. Marina is terrible at working. he told King Triton. I get her ready, but it doesn't work. Marina tried her best, but it didn't help. Ray-Ray was at the junction. Oh, my! said Marina. I must leave Atlantica. All she could do was go somewhere else, and Ray-Ray took the wagons. King Triton talked about Marina's problem. What do you think? he asked. Excuse me. answered the driver. She has the wrong food. ''The others have big food boxes. Marina's is small. With different food, she'll be fine. Marina must have it.'' said King Triton. Flounder will go and get some. When the different food arrived, Marina's worker and driver were happy. We'll show the others, Marina! They put the food inside her, and she was starting to be healthy. What are you doing? asked Marina. Don't worry. said the driver. You will have a nice stomach. He was right. Marina got to the flatform. She felt better than ever. How do you feel? asked King Triton. Eeek! said Marina. I feel better already! Do you have food in her stomach, worker? ''Yes, your Majesty! We have lots of food in it! Do not push.'' warned King Triton. She won't need pushing. said the worker. Marina had a wonderful time. She felt so alive. She wanted to speed, but the worker said no. Go steady! he told her. They arrived at the junction where Ariel was. What were you doing? Marina said. ''Oh, I don't have time for silly mermaids like you. See ya'! What was that all about?'' asked Ariel. Her stuff were surprised.

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch