Stephanie’s Busy Day
By
Kristen Collier
Illustrated by Kevin Collier
Stephanie Seahorse trailed behind the seahorses that scurried through the Great Barrier Reef.
“Hurry along now, Stephanie!” Professor Plumpkin said impatiently. “We have many sea plants to learn about and we mustn’t dawdle!”
“Humph!” said Stephanie.
The school of seahorses swam past Amy Anemone, who waved gently in the undersea current.
“Hello!” Amy said with a pleasant smile.
“No time, no time!” the professor said urgently. “We are due at the kelp fields! We mustn’t be late!”
Stephanie Seahorse gave an exasperated frown to the anemone. The seahorses sped off.
A bit later the class passed by again, this time on their way to study blue green algae.
“Hurry, hurry!” Professor Plumpkin urged.
Stephanie offered a sad grin to Amy. The anemone smiled in bright encouragement.
A final time they sped by, but Stephanie didn’t even bother looking at Amy, she just hung her head low.
“Now class,” Professor Plumpkin said, “tomorrow we’ll meet at nine sharp. Don’t be late, for there is much to learn!”
The class departed. Stephanie headed home. She passed by Joy the Jellyfish, who was sunning herself on a reef.
“Why hello, Stephanie,” Joy said happily. “And how are you today?”
“Weary,” the seahorse said. She glanced at Amy Anemone, who smiled contentedly as she moved gently in the current. “Amy doesn’t know how easy she has it,” Stephanie said forlornly.
“But Stephanie,” Joy proclaimed, “Amy has never seen the wondrous things that you have been able to see! She has never visited the places that only a creature blessed with mobility can view!”
“At least she gets some rest,” Stephanie complained.
“But are you not finished for the day?” Joy asked softly. “Is not the rest of the day yours to do with as you please?”
“Well, yes,” the seahorse admitted reluctantly.
“So,” Joy whispered, “is not the answer simply as obvious?”
Stephanie grumbled, highly embarrassed by the gentle chastisement.
Joy just grinned.
Stephanie sighed. A soft smile started to form on her lips. It grew and spread to her entire face. She chuckled. Stephanie then turned to Amy and waved a tiny fin.
“Enjoy your night, Amy. And you as well, Joy. I am going home to rest,” she declared bravely.
Joy smiled as she watched the seahorse depart for home, her joy restored.