River Rescue. Summer Waters

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       Prologue

      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.”