Topsey

One day, Mermaid was swimming around telling everyone that the big building on the other side of the island was going to send out the fast river again. When she got to Topsey’s cave, she told him the news gently.

Topsey said, “NO, NO! I don’t ever want to go to that place again! That is where I had my terrible accident. That’s where I lost my vision!”

Mermaid said, “Topsey a lot of us are going. They fixed the broken pipe, and the river flows free and clear now. Everything is fine.”

Topsey told Mermaid he would think about it overnight, and she could come back and check with him in the morning. When she left, Topsey thought and thought about how he had been in that fast river the day the pipe broke and released the toxic chemicals. Topsey thought how it had burned and blistered his skin, and how his eyes had burned, and he had gone blind. He remembered what a horrible experience it was. But Mermaid said everyone was going. Mermaid said he could go if he wanted to. How he missed swimming fast! He had to swim very slowly now because he couldn’t see where he was going. Even when Tivy was on his back, and used his eyes to guide him, he didn’t dare swim very fast. He was very scared to swim fast anymore.

Dunder Under came in to see Topsey. She told him that she heard all about his accident last summer and she understood how he felt. She understood because she could not swim fast either, because of not having her own stinger.

She said, “I think if you get on my back, spread your flippers out flat, and put your head down low, that we can ride together down the fast river. If we get separated, I will swim back under you and catch you and swim with you again.”

She said, “I am strong even though I can’t swim very fast. Come on, let’s go out in the cove and practice. If you are scared of something, you have to face your fears and try to overcome them.”

They swam out into the cove, and Topsey got on Dunder’s back. They practiced diving and swaying from side to side. Dunder Under would dive as fast as she could, and she would leave Topsey in the water above her, on purpose. Then she would rise back up to catch Topsey again, so that he would always know that she was there to scoop him up. They were getting very comfortable swimming together, and so they decided they would give it a try.

The next day Dunder Under came to Topsey’s cave early. They were excited about the adventure that awaited them.

When Mermaid came, Topsey said with a cheerful grin, “Mermaid, I’m going to try swimming in the fast river, and Dunder Under is going to help me.”

Mermaid was surprised and delighted! Topsey told Mermaid the plan that he and Dunder Under had come up with, and she thought it was a good plan. Off they went to the end of the island. Mermaid was very pleased that Topsey was being brave. They were all excited about swimming in the fast river. When they got there, everything was still quiet. Eel and all his cousins were there. They were looking forward to shooting straight as arrows down the fast river. Even Tivy was there - with Father Turtle! They were going to ride the fast river too with Mother Turtle standing by, just in case. Soon they heard the rumble, rumble, rumble. Then the fast river started flowing through the pipe. Topsey got very low on Dunder Under’s back. He was very frightened.

Dunder Under said, “It will be fine.”

She let most of their friends go in front of them, so they would be out of the way, and it wouldn’t be quite as confusing. Dunder Under eased into the current very slowly, and soon it started getting faster and faster. Topsey was having a great time! And Dunder Under too! She had never gone through the water so fast. And she loved it! Suddenly, the water started getting rough. Dunder Under’s apron started flapping wildly. One edge started rolling up a little bit. Then, suddenly, Dunder Under started rolling up like a jelly roll! Topsey was thrown off into the water!

Topsey started squealing, “Dunder! Dunder! Where are you?” Topsey was turning head over heels, going Topsey turvy through the water! He squealed and squealed, but he could not find Dunder Under anywhere! This was just like the time he had his accident, and he was terrified. Topsey felt something slide against his flippers that was slippery, and his eyes grew wide. He quickly realized it was his friend Dolphin!

“Phew! What a relief.” Topsey exclaimed.

Dolphin said, “It’s okay, Topsey. I’ve got you. We will be out of this fast river soon.”

Topsey was trembling, but he now felt safe with Dolphin. Finally, the fast river slowed down, and they were out in the big ocean. Now Topsey was able to swim by himself. Dunder Under swam up beside him.

She said, “Topsey, I am so sorry. The river was much faster than I ever dreamed!”

Topsey said, “Dunder Under, that’s okay. My friend Dolphin was there and was watching over me too. I am so thankful to have such wonderful friends.”

He said, “Dunder Under are you okay?”

She said, “I’m okay, just a little sore.”

Topsey said, “I loved it, except when I couldn’t find you.”