HPA and GSMS Grade Eight LA
A Chilling Splash
A burst of mist left a salty taste in my thirsty mouth as the waves crashed on the side of our brand-new boat. The baby blue sky was a canvas for the golden afternoon sun as it grazed my face and neck; freckles erupted everywhere. With my head tilted back, I lounged on the plush seat and observed the breathtaking scenery. The calm royal blue water glistened with light and the magical emerald green trees made the day even more spectacular.
“Ouch!” my son Kevin yelped, interrupting my serene thoughts. I quickly glanced in his direction and a nervous feeling fluttered into my stomach.
“Stop!” I cried with as much energy as I could muster as I realized that my two sons were rough housing. Oblivious to my plea, the boys continued pushing and shoving vigorously. A meek sigh escaped my parched throat, my exhausted brain giving up. My eyelids began to droop and I decided against punishment, figuring my husband would take care of the situation. The distant sound of laughter and movement lulled me into a light sleep.
An ear shattering scream and a chilling splash snapped me back into consciousness and my head shot up. My heart pounding, I lunged to the rescue.
Playtime
Screams laced with joy wake me from my short-lived nap. I slide effortlessly from my napping leaf onto the bark of the blooming tree for a better view.
The children had been playing here for the past few days, taking turns to swing back and forth. I'm not sure why they do it; it's the middle of summer and there is endless food to eat.
Limbs-that's my name for the lankiest one- is rocking the shell back and forth. The other children are smiling and laughing. Maybe it's because they're bigger that they like it, but almost falling out every time seems a little scary to me.
"Faster, Jim!" one of the children cries out. Limbs responds by sending the whole group flying. I guess Limbs’ real name is Jim. I like my name better.
The longer I watch them swing back and forth, the more it looks kind of... well, fun. I decide to get on and try it; I'm sure they won't mind a snail joining them for a little while. Gliding down the branch, I drip onto the rope. It swings back and turns me upside down. I silently thank my slimy protection.
Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. I turn to get off. The shell shakes and Limbs tenses. With a giant push, they send us towards the sky.
I realize my mistake of trying to leave as the rope approaches the branch. In a final flick upwards, my shell cracks and the world turns white.