36. The Chase

Ariel the little mermaid was sick. Men tried to help, but it didn't work. Ray-Ray must get you to the fix-it yard. King Triton said. Ariel felt very unhappy. King Triton talked to Attina. I need you to help Melody and Swifty while Ariel is gone. Attina was happy. She knew about Melody, and soon became friends with Swifty and Pumbaa.

Mater saw her too. Be careful with Ariel's stuff. he said.

She'll miss them while she is gone. Attina was careful with Ariel's stuff. They were surprised. She is so graceful! they said. We love her. When Ariel returned, her stuff told her all about Attina. Ariel was glad to be back. The fix-it yard left Ariel's stoppers stiff. It was very hard to stop. When they fat up, it wasn't so hard. She and her stuff almost ran past the flatform. Ariel didn't like this at all. So her worker and driver were most careful. One day, Ariel's driver was sick. A new man replaced him. The driver attached Ariel to her stuff, and joined the worker and master on the flatform. They waited for Marina's people. The driver forgot all about Ariel's stiff stoppers. Ariel was happy. Not very long. she thought. Soon, Marina came. Ariel's stoppers weren't very hard, but her green tail began to move. She wanted to stop, but it was no use without her worker and driver. She wanted to eek, but that didn't help. The guard, worker, driver, and people were still on the flatform. Wait, wait! cried Ariel's stuff, but Ariel didn't hear, and she went on. The bell rang. Stop it! There was Timon, the flying creature. The inspector had a plan, and they were soon high in the sky. At last, Ariel got tired. I must stop, I must stop! she wailed. As she approached the next junction, Ariel saw Timon. Soon, they got to the flatform. The inspector went into the tail, and put on the stoppers. Finally, Ariel stooped. The inspector was happy. He thanked Timon. Aw, c'mon! Timon said. Happy to help! Woo! said the inspector. You should never do this again, Ariel. Ariel thought he was right.

by Julian Ayele Cumberbatch