Washed Up

• Tahnaya Mclellan, Grade 9
• Short Story
• 2015

The sea breeze was harsh that evening. I looked outside to see rain harshly hitting the deck. The town spoke about an enormous storm coming in a few weeks; I thought maybe this was just the start. When it rains in Newport Beach, the whole city sleeps. Everyone stays inside watching DVD’s and snuggles up on the couch. Not me. I surf. Heavy rain means heavy waves. It’s the best time to surf. I grabbed my board, put on my swimsuit and ran down to the shore. Before I entered the boisterous waves, I strapped my leg rope around my ankle and stood still for a moment, inhaling the sweet smell of the rain and the salty sea current. I ran out with a smile on my face but on the inside a small burst of terror lingered. Knowing that these waves are some of the most dangerous always made me somewhat nervous.

Although the conditions were unpleasant and the waves were frightening, I still came out of them alive. And happy. As I walked out of the sea, I noticed a trail. So being curious, I wrapped myself in my towel and followed the marks. It continued a few metres up the shore. It ended at a small hole at the start of my deck. I hadn’t noticed it before. I kneeled down to take a look inside, only to find three baby sea turtles. All three of the babies were huddled up on top of each other. I couldn’t see a mother anywhere. I suspected that the trail I followed would have been from the mother.

I went back inside knowing I would revisit the nest, hoping to care for the baby sea turtles. I had a shower and put on my favorite hooded jacket with a pair of snug, black leggings. While I waited for the rain to settle, I set up an enclosure for the baby sea turtles. I used to own pet fish, I kept the tank in hope of getting more but I never had enough time. I googled for hours, “How to build a sea turtle enclosure in a fish tank”, “Can you build a baby sea turtle enclosure out of a fish tank”. I found what I was looking for and the first thing I had to do was make a trip to the pet store and buy what was suggested. I got home from the pet store with all my supplies. I was excited. I had always admired sea turtles. They seem so placid and majestic. I had set up the tank on a chest of drawers in the dining room, and made sure all the care products were nearby. I looked out of the sliding door to see if the rain had ended. I walked out onto the damp deck, and as I looked out into the distance, I saw the 3 baby sea turtles making their way out to sea. I felt betrayed, but proud.