Delia was a playful dolphin who loved to zoom through the warm, blue ocean. She loved chasing bubbles, leaping over waves, and playing hide-and-seek with her friends. But most of all, Delia loved making new friends. One sunny morning, as she was practicing her flips, she noticed a tiny crab scuttling along the sandy ocean floor, looking very upset.
Delia swam closer. “Hello!” she chirped. “You seem a little sad. What’s wrong?” The little crab looked up, his eyes filled with tears. “I… I lost my shell!” he cried. “The waves were very strong last night, and they washed it away. Now I feel so exposed and wobbly!”
Delia felt a pang of sympathy for the little crab. She knew how important a shell was to a crab – it was their home and their protection. “Don’t worry,” Delia said kindly. “I’ll help you find it! What did your shell look like?”
“It was a beautiful, swirly shell, with shades of pink and orange,” the crab replied, sniffing. “And it had a tiny little starfish stuck to the side!” Delia nodded. “Okay, let’s start searching!” And so, Delia and the little crab began their search. Delia used her excellent eyesight to scan the ocean floor, while the crab carefully checked under rocks and seaweed.
They searched and searched, but the shell was nowhere to be found. Delia started to feel a little discouraged. The ocean was vast, and the shell could be anywhere! But then, she remembered what her mother always told her: “Even when things seem difficult, never give up on helping a friend.”
Delia took a deep breath and decided to try a different approach. She swam in wider circles, looking further and further away. Suddenly, she spotted something shimmering in the distance. “Look!” she exclaimed, pointing with her nose. “Is that it?”
The little crab hurried over, and his eyes lit up. “Yes! That’s my shell!” He scurried towards it and quickly climbed inside. He wiggled around happily. “Oh, thank you, Delia!” he said. “You’re the best friend a crab could ask for!”
Delia smiled. Helping the little crab find his shell made her feel warmer and happier than any bubble chase or wave leap ever could. “You’re very welcome,” she said. “Remember, even though you’re small, you’re strong and brave, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.”
As the sun began to set, painting the ocean with beautiful colors, Delia and the little crab said goodbye. Delia swam back to her family, feeling proud and content. She knew that being kind and helpful was the most wonderful adventure of all. And as she drifted off to sleep, she dreamed of all the friends she would help tomorrow.