Dream Birthday by Ruby Ann Phillips

Author:Ruby Ann Phillips
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: 9781479521784, humorous stories, girls
Publisher: Picture Window Books
Published: 2014-01-28T05:00:00+00:00

The card she placed on the table had a big yellow sun with a face on it. The sun’s rays pointed in many different directions.

“This card symbolizes renewed energy, brilliance, and joy,” Grandma explained.

“Ooh,” I said. “I like the sound of that.”

“My darling,” said Grandma, kissing me on the forehead, “your radiance and power will always bring happiness. Do not ever forget that.”

***

After we drank our tea, my parents and I prepared to leave. “Goodnight, Grandma,” I said, hugging her goodbye.

Outside, we walked in the cold night air back to the metro stop. We passed the Roseland Ballroom where the concert was in full swing. The muffled music pounded through the outer wall. It sounded like cannons firing.

Dad smiled, and said, “Sounds like the Army of Ares is off to war!”

After the subway arrived, we were on our way back to Queens. During the ride, I had gotten so sleepy that I dozed off in Mom’s arms.

When we got home, she carried me to my bedroom. “Honey, you have to put on your pajamas,” Mom whispered.

While I was getting in bed, I mumbled, “Water. Water everywhere.”

“What was that, sweetheart?” Mom asked. “You want some water?”

I pulled the bedsheets over my head.

“Hmm. Guess not,” my mother said, shrugging her shoulders. She turned off the lamp, leaving only the Saturn-shaped night-light aglow.

Then I was fast asleep.

That night, I found myself on the deck of a large pirate ship. The sails were at full mast, and the crew bustled around me. It was sunny and warm, and the sea was a crystal clear blue.

The captain of the ship stood at the wheel, yelling commands at the men. She was wearing a feathered hat and a long red coat. There was a sword in a scabbard on her belt, and its gold hilt was glinting in the sunlight. Her long hair draped over her shoulders like a black waterfall.

Gosh, she’s beautiful! I thought. And not at all like the pirate captains I’ve seen in storybooks. She’s even got both her hands.

Suddenly, the ship lurched forward. We lost our balance and fell to the floor.

“Avast!” cried the captain. “To the fray!”

I had no idea what was going on. The crew prepared to fire the cannons.

The captain drew her sword. She looked at me and exclaimed, “Get down below, child. The Kraken is upon us!”

Running for cover, I asked, “What’s a Kraken?” But no one answered.

Splash! Crash!

An enormous tentacle came up from the water.

“Uh, I guess, that’s a Kraken,” I said. “Or at least, part of it!”

As the creature crashed onto the deck, men scattered and wooden planks broke into pieces. I saw the sea monster’s slimy suction cups scrape along the deck, leaving a trail of slippery ooze. Then another tentacle lifted high into the air. It was grasping the captain.

“Shiver me timbers!” she shouted. “I shall not be shark bait!”

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