Shark Tales

“Mummy, who built that scary sand shark?” Jnr asked as we walked away from the beach back to our car. It's been a fun-filled day for me and my boy at the beach.

I smiled, tightening my grip on his tiny hand.

“It's a long story," I replied.

He looked up at me. "Make it short then."

I smiled. Jnr was a fast learner. That was exactly what I told my husband this morning before we left the house. He must have overheard me and tried to copy.

"Okay, so, long ago, a wicked shark chased everyone from our beach. It made us lose reve-nue because not even tourists could visit anymore. The soldiers tried to kill it. The village hunters tried. Nothing worked. Then, the King's cabinet called Gladys, the sea witch, to help. She got to the sea, and the shark laughed and lunged at her.” I paused and opened the back door of the car. Strapped Jnr into the child seat. Then I got into the driver's seat and adjusted my hair in the rearview mirror.

"Mummy go on! What happened to Gladys and the shark?" He asked.

I looked at him from the rearview mirror. “Well, she didn’t flinch. Just one chant, and boom the shark froze. Turned to sand. Been smiling like that ever since.”

Jnr blinked. “Is the spell forever?”

“Forever,” I whispered. “That's why kids are asked to behave at the beach or Gladys will be called upon them." I made a growling sound.

Jnr laughed. "Gladys doesn't hate kids. She hates sharks only."

"Why do you say so?" I was surprised at his reply while keying the ignition.

"Because everyone loves kids."

I laughed. "Hang tight, smart one. Home awaits."

With that, I zoomed off the beach.

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