A Fin Full Tale

Somewhere in an enclosed oceanic environment, a predator loitered around the manufactured artistic water tank that had many features reminding the angry looking creature about home. Taking a moment during his merry go round workout Norman peered into the glass while people stood in the gallery motionlessly staring or reading the research information provided.

“Wow,” a young boy exclaimed after the shark’s athletic body taunted the window.

Turning around, Norman proceeded off the stage only to see Chrissy return from her dolphin theatrical presentation. “Nailed another one,” she announced, “went right through the ring and everyone applauded.”

“Some kid ‘wowed’ me,” Norman replied, “that makes 263 this year and it’s not even Memorial Day,”

“At least they are not saying, ‘get out of the water’” Chrissy comforted the situation.

“Why do they do that? Chrissy?”

“You want to know the truth,” Chrissy honestly spoke, “you scare people, you sneak up on them and take a big bite,”

“I do not mean too and sometimes I am hungry,”

“Well, maybe you are going to have to think about your actions,” Chrissy explained, “if you want friends.”

Reflecting upon what Chrissy said, Norman focused only on the food served during designated hours and when it came to visiting the general public the great white choreographed camera-friendly creative fun. Feeling a little bit better after entertaining the crowd he returned to his sleeping quarters when suddenly Chrissy and her entourage bumped into the scene.

“Where are you going?”

“Out for the evening,” Chrissy boasted.

“How do you do that?” Norman inquired.

“We ladies have our ways,”

Watching them travel upstream Norman observed the performers unlock the secret passageway and place a stone block to ensure reentry. After the group safely departed Norman investigated the escape route and within seconds found himself free.

Enjoying the moonlight adventure, Norman did not see much difference, but the junket seemed worth it as he challenged the sea’s honest wavey wakes. Paralleling the beach, using buoys as markers, Norman had tremendous energy until he saw splashing followed by hearing human teenage youth enjoying life.

Finding a place to lure, Norman salivated over the tempting leg platter and calculated a feasting strike. While a musical orchestra played in his mind creating tension, the suspenseful mood cued Norman allowing Chrissy to confront the brewing attack, “what are you doing?”

“Wanted the late-night leg and wing special,”

Getting choked up Chrissy confessed, “when I was human,” she paused, “I had dreams to be a Rockette and one night after a high school summer barbeque where we had pork and beef, I went for a swim, then ended up grabbing a buoy like that one,”

“Why didn’t you just take a shower?”

“We were young and,”

“And someone looking like me needed a nice late-night legs and wings special,”

Shaking her head in an affirmative fashion Chrissy made Norman think twice, “look if you go ahead and jump on that fetish there will be consequences,” she told him, “Why don’t we go home and see if there is any more left-over mackerel just lying around, I could turn it into a dip,”

Smiling Norman agreed and took the same path back towards the Aquarium and safety.

When the next day arrived, Norman kept to the daily schedule and welcomed strangers to his world. Noticing a girl and her legs were the same as the ones from last night, a casual dining experience seemed plausible.

Licking his chops Norman got the urge until Chrissy came up from behind, “remember you can look but you can’t touch,” she reminded Norman who then answered the aquarium staff’s lunch bell.