By: Dominique Moore

This is a story about a girl named Katie who adores dolphins. One day, a dolphin she names Flip, invites her to swim with him. Katie’s dad says no, but he promises her another time. When Katie asks the next day, dad refuses again. Will Katie ever get to swim with Flip?

Wow, I was actually going to study dolphins with my parents. As we got on our houseboat, I rushed downstairs to my bedroom so I didn’t have to help my 10-year-old bothersome little brother, Justin. But before I could reach the stairs to my room, my mom yelled, “Katie I need you to help Justin unpack.” Darn. “Do I have to? Cause I really don’t want to. I got better things to do.” “KATIE, DO WHAT YOUR MOM TOLD YOU, NOW!!” Dad screamed.

I think he woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. I went to help Justin unpack. “Dang Justin, we’re only staying for a week on the boat not a year”. I said. “I know,” he said. When we were finished, I was about to go to my room when I heard Mom shout, “Katie come quickly.” So I dashed up the stairs and onto the deck. I froze dead in my tracks. Thousands of dolphins jumped into the air.

But one hung back and stared at me. I slowly stuck my hand out and the dolphin immediately touched it with his nose. As I pulled back the dolphin seemed to tell me to come into the water. I asked my mom and she sent me to ask Dad. So I went to Dad and asked if I could go swim with the dolphin. He told me, “Some other time. I promise.” I was disappointed. I went back and the dolphin was still there. I decided to name him Flip.

The next morning I went to the deck to see if Flip was there. He wasn’t. So I went back and ate breakfast. Then I went back to see if Flip had come. Nope. As I was about to go inside, I heard a squeal. I turned and Flip was splashing in the water behind me. I ran to him and stroked his head.

I asked Dad if I could go swim with Flip. He said no. “But you promised.” Dad was being stubborn. I was getting mad. “Didn’t you hear me? I said you promised you would let me swim with Flip.” I could feel the tears coming fast. Dad still didn’t respond. Now I was furious. Mom was listening. So I yelled, “I wish you had not come. I’m not going to talk to you or forgive you.” I ran down to my room and slammed the door shut.

Mom came down and told me it was time for dinner. I told her I was not hungry.

“Knock.” “Come in,” I responded. Justin told me that Flip was calling me with his high-pitched squeak. I dashed up the stairs and onto the deck. Flip was jumping wildly. As I was petting Flip, I heard a rumble coming from the sky. I looked and saw dark gray dangerous clouds blocking the sun from shining. Then all of a sudden, a gust of wind started blowing. Then in a wink a dangerous storm started. Dad yelled for us to get below. I told Justin to go inside now.

I was about to go inside, when our beach chair came tumbling towards me. I moved out of the way as fast as I could, but I lost my balance and fell into the sea. I yelled for help. Justin came and threw the inner tube out to me. I grabbed it but an enormous wave came and washed me beneath the sea. I came up to the surface. I tried to keep the boat in my eyesight. But another wave took me under. I came to the surface once more.

As I looked around the boat wasn’t in sight! I yelled for what seemed an hour. Then a mysterious fin was cutting smoothly through the water towards me. An icy shiver ran down my spine. Something bumped the side of my leg. I gave a yelp. Flip’s little head bobbed up in front of me. He motioned me to put my hand on his dorsal fin. At first, I didn’t know what he was doing. But then I understood. I grabbed his fin and he guided me towards the boat. I didn’t let go of his dorsal fin. I was so sore. My legs were stiff from treading water. I felt like a rock being dropped but not breaking. Justin came sprinting to me. Mom and Dad followed. They pulled me up onto the deck. I murmured “Thank, to Flip.

Mom dried me off and checked my temperature. 105!! I fell into a deep sleep. In my sleep I dreamt that I was being carried on Flips back, to the boat. Then I slipped off Flip’s back and fell down, down, down, down, down, and down into the midnight sea.

I woke up suddenly. It was 8:00am. I got out of bed and crawled up the stairs. Mom was cooking chocolate chip pancakes with bacon, sausage, and eggs. I went into the kitchen and lightly tapped mom on the shoulder. She whirled around and hugged me and started bawling. “Where’s dad?” I asked, “ Downstairs crying.” She replied. I felt heartbroken.

I crept down stairs. “Dad,” I began, “I’m really sorry I said the things I said.” Dad answered, “ I’m the one who should be sorry. I let you down and to make up for it, I’m going to let you swim with Flip from now on.” “Thank you Daddy.” I hollered. After we ate breakfast, I quickly put on my bathing suit. Flip was waiting patiently. As I smiled at Flip, Justin pushed me into the water.

Now I know my family loves me, especially Dad.