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Silver Dolphins
10
River Rescue
Summer Waters
For Lizzie Ryley
Table of Contents
Agroup of dolphins were playing follow my leader along the seabed. In and out of the rocks they chased each other in a long, wiggly line.
“It’s my turn to be leader now,” clicked Swift, one of the older dolphins.
Swift swam fast, weaving between the rocks, turning somersaults and rolling in the water. The dolphins chased after him, squealing with delight.
“This is so much fun!” exclaimed Bubbles.
“Let’s go and play in the kelp beds,” said Swift. “That’ll be even more fun.”
“Bubbly,” clicked Bubbles. “You lead and we’ll follow.”
But as Swift headed out to sea, a tiny dolphin named Dot called from the back, “Mum doesn’t let me go to the kelp beds on my own.”
“You’re not on your own. You’re with us,” said Swift.
Dot stopped swimming and shook her head. “Sorry, but I’m not allowed to go there without a grown-up. Please can we play here?”
“I’m going to the kelp beds,” said Swift firmly. “Stay here if you don’t want to come.”
“But I won’t have anyone to play with,” squeaked Dot.
“I’ll stay behind with you,” said Bubbles.
He darted out of the line and swam over to her.
“You said you’d go to the kelp beds,” said Swift crossly. “You can’t just change your mind.”
“I can,” said Bubbles.
“Well, I’m not changing mine,” said Swift crossly. “Follow me, everyone.”
The other dolphins hesitated, then some followed Swift and some stayed with Bubbles and Dot. They immediately started a new game, unaware that Spirit and Star were watching them.
“Bubbles was right,” said Star proudly. “You can change your mind.”
Spirit uttered a long sigh. “If only all choices were that simple. I sense much harder decisions ahead for the Silver Dolphins.”
“Can we help them?” asked Star.
“No,” said Spirit sadly. “The Silver Dolphins must choose for themselves.”
Antonia Lee woke with the sun on her face and a wonderful feeling bubbling inside her. It was the first day of the spring holiday. Two whole weeks of fun and spending as much time as she liked helping at Sea Watch, the marine conservation charity run by her friend Cai’s great-aunt Claudia. Hurriedly, Antonia washed and dressed then went downstairs for breakfast.
Mum and Dad were drinking tea in the kitchen.
“You’re up early,” said Dad. “Did you forget there was no school?”
“I’m going to Sea Watch,” said Antonia, pouring herself a bowl of cereal. “There’s a lot to do because it’s just volunteers today Cai and Claudia aren’t there this morning.”
“Of course!” exclaimed Mum, passing Antonia a mug of tea. “They’ll be on their way to the airport to collect Cai’s parents.”
Cai was living with his great-aunt Claudia in Sandy Bay because his mum and dad had temporary jobs in Australia.
“How long are they over here for?” asked Dad.
“Ten days,” said Antonia. She finished her breakfast then sat on the kitchen floor to put on her trainers.
“Are you coming back for lunch?” Mum stepped over her to get to the dishwasher.
“No, I made some sandwiches last night. I’ll be home for tea, though.” Antonia’s voice trailed away as a very familiar feeling swept over
