50. The Monster Mermaid

''And every year, on the day of an accident, she keeps swimming in order to warn others. She runs into a gap, howling like a wolf. Melody, what do you mean? I mean, the monster mermaid. My worker saw it the other night. But where?'' questioned Ariel and Swifty. ''He didn't tell me. Oh, I'm so inclined to think about it. Pah!'' thought Ariel. ''You're just being silly! I'm not afraid! Ariel did not believe in the monster.'' said Melody the next day. Her worker chuckled. ''I didn't either. It was just a pretend monster on TV.'' Melody was upset. That night, she returned from the dockside. Melody knew where she was going, even if it was dark. ''Crovan's Gate. We shall not be long.'' Melody loved to swim at night. It makes her feel strong and healthy. There was a broken truck of flour on the ground. A farmer went for help. Melody damaged the truck into pieces. Flour was everywhere. Melody was white all over. Her worker explained what happened. I see now. said the lightman. But you must wipe Melody off, or else, the others will mistake her for a monster mermaid. Melody laughed. ''Can we pretend I'm a monster mermaid and frighten Ariel? That will pay her out for calling me silly.'' Swifty wanted to help. Ariel was just being fitted for her nighttime load. Melody has crashed! cried Swifty. Oh! moaned Ariel. ''Oh, man! That means I'll be late! 'They cleared everything for you, explained Swifty, but something is worse. Oh, c'mon, Swifty, Ariel said, I can't stay here all day! I thought I saw something, shivered Swifty. It's.... Melody's monster! ''Never mind, Swifty. I will look after you. Eeeek! Eeeeeeeeek!'' cried Melody. I want to come in. No! No! We will not let you in! Then, I guess I'll just have to break through the door. Oh, no! said Ariel. ''I don't know what to do! I have to find my stuff.'' It was daylight when Ariel came back. Where were you? asked Swifty. Well,' began Ariel, I knew you would feel sorry for Melody, and, um... ''Oh, my, I just remembered. I have to go!'' Melody had heard it all. So, what do you know? she said to Swifty. I am surprised. said the small fish. Ariel thought that the monster mermaid WAS real. by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch''