2016Bluestone

hiker, I was actually enjoying myself, too distracted to think about getting home now. When I had finally cleared the field, I ran the last few meters of bare soil to the water. It seemed clear, and being thirsty, I took a mouthful of water and swallowed. Suddenly there was a thunderous roar from the sea. A nearly eight foot figure arose from the water. It was misty out over the sea and the figure’s visage was unintelligible. The figure bellowed in a deep, boisterous voice, “Nick! Why have you partaken of the sanctified water?!” “Uh........” The figure seemed more threat- ening every second. “Well, you see I was s-somehow transported here and knew I need water to survive.” I tried to force the knot out of my throat as the figure responded in a grave voice, “The chosen one.” By then the figure had returned to its bellowing voice, “l am the leader of the remaining few members of a species whose name is unpronounceable to you, boy. Many years ago our planet suffered a terrible drought, so, being water-dwellers, when our oceans dried up, many died. In a last effort to renovate the oceans, the Elders built a machine to bring the chosen one. The one who would restore the oceans.” I quickly shot back, “What can I do?” The creatures voice had slowed down, “Give me the seed.” I thought to myself, “What seed? The acorn!” Earlier I had found a large acorn and saved it in my pocket. I checked. It was there. I pulled it out of my pocket and threw it toward the creature. I watched it land in front of him. Curiously, the sea expanded and simultaneously, I rose. Through the planet’s atmosphere, the tunnel of stars, and finally, back to Earth. “It’s been quite an adventure.” I thought, still falling. “What will I tell my parents?”

Bradford Hurt is a 5th Grad- er at Mercer School in Princ- eton, WV. He enjoys reading, playing guitar, baseball and hiking. His gifted teacher is Mrs. Stogner.

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