Sea Witch and the Scorpion

From that day forward, the little sea witch relished that she had a friend, a true friend, who encouraged her to be her true self. She even told him her real name that no one ever used, Sasha. The old scorpion grinned and shared that he also had a given name that no one ever used, Sam. The two friends visited at the water’s edge every day, and eventually the old scorpion insisted that the little sea witch use her legs as they were intended and learn to walk. And sure enough, she got stronger and braver each day. In no time, she was skipping and even running to visit her wise old friend! They sat together around his fire as the old scorpion often shared stories of the land creatures. Amazed and inspired by his tales of life on land, she never wanted to return to her village in the sea because it meant returning to her neighbors’ cruelty. As time went by, though, her confidence grew as she learned to embrace her ability to thrive both on land and in the sea…“just as God made you,” the scorpion often reminded her. One day, as she practiced along the shore how to leap farther and higher, she overheard humans approaching. She ran as fast as she could to the old scorpion’s cave to warn him! He calmly assured her that he is always safe in his home. They sat together in a hush and listened as the humans walked past the scorpion’s cave. The humans were talking with great fear about a storm that was quickly approaching the island…they said this one would be stronger than any storm this island had ever experienced. It was clear from their urgent tone the humans were scared as they discussed the coming destruction to their beachside community. They disappeared into the trees toward higher land, and the sea witch was frightened by what she heard. She knew she had to warn her parents and siblings…and the entire community of sea creatures where she lived!