The Sea Jewel
A Tale of the Hidden Treasure
by
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Chapter 9
Reef of Wonders
Soon the current slowed to a stop, resting the trio on the sand next to a rather mundane-looking reef.
“Sea J, where are we?” asked Sophie.
“This is a weird place,” noted Ben.
Sea J, now reclining and resting on one wing, egged the twins on. “Strange perhaps, yes,” prodded Sea J as he nodded. “And magically wondrous. This is the Reef of Wonders. And why is it so wondrous?”
Scratching his head, Ben sarcastically replied, “What are you talking about! What’s so great about it? It looks so boring and dull.”
“And plain,” added Sophie. “Where are all the pretty corals and sponges? Where are all the colorful fish?”
“It may not seem exciting and colorful on the outside,” acknowledged Sea J as he sat up, “but don’t let appearances deceive you.
Nothing is as it seems. Go beneath its surface. Look closely. You just might find something of great value and beauty hidden deep within its form. And if you find the precious jewel … its gift is yours.”
Ben’s interest was piqued. “Did you say jewel? Like in a treasure hunt? I love treasure hunts!”
“Will you show us? Please, please, pretty please! Where is it?” pressed Sophie inquisitively.
“It’s important that you discover it for yourselves,” emphasized Sea J, “but I’ll be close by if you need me. And Ben … Sophie? This is a living reef. Be gentle with it.”
Sea J hopped up and headed toward the reef. The twins quickly followed, his words echoing in their minds.
Don’t let appearances deceive you.
Nothing is as it seems.
The twins were gentle as they searched in cracks and crevices, under coral heads and in tunnels, careful not to disturb the friendly green moray who popped its head out of one of the crevices to say hi or the peaceful nurse shark who was asleep on the sand at the bottom of a small tunnel.
They saw arrow crabs and banded coral shrimp, spiny lobsters, sea cucumbers, and sea stars. They found damselfish and anemones and a large school of tarpon. But it wasn’t until they spotted an oyster shell, half-in and half-out of the sand, that they felt an urge to stop.
Sophie pointed to the oyster shell. “Look, Ben! It’s kind of plain, but remember what Sea J said? ‘Nothing is as it seems.’ This is it! This is what we’ve been looking for! I just know it.”
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About the Book
Twins Ben and Sophie are excited to be going on a family vacation to the Cayman Islands during their two-week winter break—even though the dark shadow of their dad’s alcoholism hangs over them. But it’s their eleventh birthday, and they’re going to have fun no matter what. Meanwhile, their mother, Kate, struggles to keep it together, even though she knows something has to change.
When the twins’ dad, Sam, yells at them on the morning of their birthday, Sophie and Ben decide to take their daysailer, The Sea Jewel, out for a spin. But they quickly find themselves in trouble out at sea, and the boat capsizes in a storm. What happens next sends the children on a magical undersea adventure; they meet a variety of angelic sea creatures who enlighten the twins on their journey of self-discovery. As they swim through shipwrecks, caves, and tunnels, by reefs, walls, and the sea animals of Grand Cayman, Ben and Sophie face their fears, look beyond appearances, and search for the hidden treasure.
About the Author
Joyce Carol Margolin is a retired school speech-language pathologist who holds a MS in speech-language pathology from the State University of New York at Albany and a BA in psychology from the State University of New York at Oneonta. She has made it her life’s mission to help children become better communicators, discover their talents, and believe in themselves. She is a veteran scuba diver who loves the reefs, shipwrecks, and walls of Grand Cayman. Joyce and her husband, Steve, live in California.
Carol Dinallo Hall is a former registered nurse with a BSN from the University of Vermont and a MEd in health from Boston University. Carol grew up in a family wounded by an alcoholic father. She has three grown children and four grandchildren and currently works with spirituality, herbalism, energy work, and sound healing to enhance wellness in others. Carol’s son, Brendon Hall, the illustrator, has a BFA in illustration. Carol lives in Florida.