The life jackets were needed. Moments ago, Larry and Aika were sailing happily. The weather was perfect. They could see the splendor of the sea and different marine species through the glass built in their boat’s floor. They were enthralled by what they were seeing and unaware of how far they were from shore. Then, sensing a change in the wind, they looked up.

Though not unusual, it's always strange how the weather can prove to be so unpredictable. The blue sky darkened, with the sun nowhere to be seen. Terrible waves bombarded the sides of Larry’s small boat. Shocked, Larry didn't know what to do. His sister began to cry. Fear gripped him as their boat started to sink. They were forced to jump out – uncertain of what would happen next.

After jumping, an unknown force dragged them to the sea’s navel. A mystical lady appeared and, without a single word, outfitted them with glowing life jackets that allowed them to survive and swim to shore.

To this day, they still don’t know who the being was, though they were thankful for her. They had learned their lesson: to bring life jackets with them whenever they went boating.

© 2009 J.J. Landicho. Original for CCF. (Landicho grants CCF first electronic rights for one month; CCF may archive the material indefinitely and include it in an eBook anthology).