13. Ariel, Mater, and the Snowstorm

It was fall in Atlantica. The leaves were changing, and the birds sang, and a tow truck was working hard, as Ariel swam by. Later on, Ariel saw the tow truck. Hi there! said the tow truck. I'm Mater. I tow things. I'm Ariel. I swim around. You look kinda' weird. ''I'm not weird. I just''

rusted. I don't think I look weird. I don't tow things.'' said Ariel. I'm good how I am! When winter came, snow was''

''everywhere. This is no good. said the worker. ''A snowstorm is coming! It must not stop us! Pah!'' said Ariel. ''There's nothing to be afraid of! It's only snow!'' And she swam on bravely. They ended their adventure, but now,''

''everything was white. You'll need your snow attachment, Ariel! said the worker. ''Snow is nothing to be scared of!

It's just soft stuff! Her snow attachment felt heavy, and it made her feel uncomfortable. She did a lot of damage to it. It was so beat up, that the worker took it off. You are a very bad mermaid! he told Ariel. Next morning, everyone worked hard to fix Ariel's snow attachment, but it was no use. Ariel was happy. ''Now, I can't wear it! Now, I can't wear it!'' she said. Her stuff were worried. I hope it's OK, I hope it's OK. they said to each other.

''Even the worker was worried. It's not that bad. he told the driver. But it looks a little dangerous. There's nothing to be afraid of! Ariel said. I did not need that snow attachmet yesterday, so I won't need it today. She ran into a hole, feeling pleased with herself. Then, disaster struck. Oh, my tail fins! said Ariel. I am wedged! And she was. Go back! shouted Ariel's worker. Ariel tried to, but to no avail. A man went for help, and the''

''others tried to dig Ariel out. But no matter how much they dug, snow kept falling,and poor Ariel got stuck even''

''tighter! Oh, Neptune! I must stay here forever! Ariel started to cry. A warthog arrived, and took Ariel's people,''

''and then, who came to rescue Ariel? Why, Mater! He doesn't mind snow. He towed Ariel's stuff, and then went back for Ariel. Ariel had been dug clear, but she still felt uncomfortable. Mater pulled with all his might. At last,''

''he towed Ariel out of the snow. ''Thank you, Mater! You don't look weird.'' thought Ariel. ''I hope you'll be

a better mermaid, Ariel. said her worker. I will! said Ariel.

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch