The Rock Pool

By Aoife T. - Year 5

Smooth grains of gritty sand made up the heavenly silk carpet. As parents relaxed on their untouched sun beds, young children made their dream mansions, lined with the largest, most precious shells. The majestic, gentle, creamy waves strode like giants towards the well-kept beach. But would it stay that way for long...?

A little way away, a rather bossy tween entered the brilliant beach; a golden mane of elegance hung from her young head that looked radiant. A slight aroma of hay about her hair, she had just finished a packet of ready salted crisps and discarded it as she had done all her life: not into a revolting, slimy bin, but onto the golden sand. Her family couldn’t care less, but it was not missed by all the people at the beach – their heads whipped towards her.

Apparently unaware of this, she ran towards a small, pretty rock pool, full to the brim with a smooth turquoise substance. As her miniature feet hit the freezing surface, she felt an odd shrinking sensation. A shiver ran down her spine and, before she knew it, she was the size of a tadpole, swimming in the homely rock pool.

Her eyes wide open, she gazed, paralysed. Her mouth gaped open; she was unaware that she was producing an impressive amount of drool that was crawling down her chin. Immediately behind her, a croaky voice sounded.

“We have been expecting you,” another added.

Two figures crept out from behind a magnificent shell. A crab and snail appeared.

“We wanted to warn you not to jeopardise these delicate waters. It is thanks to people like you that they are becoming polluted."

At this, Emily felt a stone drop into the pit of her stomach.

Under the scrutiny of their stern faces, Emily agreed eagerly She didn’t stay for long before her brief companions released her.

She hated growing to normal size; it made her ache and left a tingly sensation. She was tearful that she should never see her friends again but, from that day on, Emily did a lot of good for the world.