She said that the sea went on for miles. In some places you couldn"t touch the bottom. Not even by holding your breath and diving. I was enthralled. My imagination ran wild with each new detail, dolphins gliding gracefully over the surface, mermaids playing in the waves, sharks hungrily searching for food. I could not wait to see this enchanted place for myself.

             As soon as school ended I sprinted home from school with my backpack flailing behind me. My teacher"s words swirled around my head making me dizzy. Still I ran faster and with purpose, I had to ask my mom if the ocean truly existed. Every step of the way, I prayed my mom would be home. I turned the corner and saw the blue two story house jutting through the pine trees. I stopped for an instant to catch my breath and felt the butterflies swirl in my stomach. Slowly, I walked towards the front porch. I threw open the solid oak door, startling my mother. "Mommy have you ever seen the ocean?" I asked breathlessly. My mother confirmed all Mrs. Sweet had told me. She even added to the thrill by telling me of coral reefs, seaweed, and sharks. " I want to go. Please take me!" I screamed with excitement. I knew the answer before my mom even opened her mouth. My head fell against my chest and the warm tears started to choke at my eyes.

             " Honey, you know I can"t take you. I have two jobs just to put food in your mouth. I barely have time to spend on myself, let alone free time to spend carting you around the beach." My mom hissed, obviously annoyed that I had forgotten her time constraints. I sulked away, upset.

             Over the next few months I became obsessed with the ocean. I wanted to know everything there was. I read about the huge jaws of great white sharks, killer wale"s lunch preferences, and jelly fish, which had no brain or mouths. The librarian who wore wire-rimmed glasses and hair pulled back into a tight bun, now called me by name.