It was a radiant summer morning in the scorching hot month of May. The now 14-year-old Harry woke up with a lot of exhilaration that he had been building inside him throughout the previous night. Birthdays had always been his favourite event. This was mainly because of the family’s special tradition of giving the person they were celebrating a very unique and distinctive present. He wondered what his loved ones had in store for him today. He was taken aback when he saw a vintage and posh boat waiting for him on his front porch. They celebrated like they did every year with a lavish feast containing all the delicacies Harry craved. Then they would take the brand new boat for a ride in the nearby lake.
Harry was anticipating the same since he had always wanted to have a cool, stylish vehicle that would make him popular amongst his peers in school. It was 3 p.m. by the time the family finished their lunch. Now they would go for the much-awaited joyride. Harry was the first to ride his boat. He felt very calm as he drifted along the vast expanse of the lake. The wind caressed his face making him lean back onto his boat in the hope of a sweet slumber. Just as he leant backwards, he felt the boat tremble and he toppled over and into the deep waters of the lake. Ever since he was a child Harry had been hydrophobic and had thus never learnt to swim. This was the disadvantage of this situation and he felt himself drowning. Water entered his lungs, and he felt himself being pulled downwards, he was desperately gasping for breath, there was no hope left for him.
Suddenly he could feel oxygen rushing through his lungs, as he opened his eyes to see a peculiar sight. He was surrounded by water even then but now he saw castles made out of corals and giant sea pebbles, mythical creatures with peculiar features and giant sea animals that were easily the size of the famous twin towers. He was utterly bewildered as to what was happening and where he was. Then it struck him. He was in an underwater world! He was amazed by the scenery and wondered if he was dreaming. “There's no way this could be real!” he thought to himself. Then, a pink dolphin came under him out of nowhere, hoisting him on her back and taking him towards the giant coral castle. It was almost like she knew he couldn't swim. Within a few minutes, he was in front of what seemed like the king of the underwater world. He was wearing an enormous yet elegant starfish crown, studded with precious jewels. Harry was held by two muscular mermen on each arm with his head pushed downward. “What is your mission intruder!” said the king in a deep soothing voice that had a touch of authority. “Nothing, your majesty! I don't mean to harm you or any of your people. I simply drowned while I was boating on the top of the lake and the next thing I knew was that I had been transported here.” The king however did not look convinced and was determined that he was a secret agent sent by the people of the land. He ordered Harry to be thrown into the dungeons without any food or water for survival. The next three days were spent by Harry, craving some food. He was desperate and prayed to God that he could escape, especially since he hadn't done anything to harm anyone.
It seemed like the Almighty answered Harry's cry for help. The next morning he was again presented in front of the king who now understood that Harry was not an imposter and was simply innocent. He thus sent him back to where he belonged, on land, with the pink dolphin whose name Harry got to know was Chloe. Harry thanked Chloe for the ride and ran back home, soaking wet. He would never be able to forget the treatment he received underwater and never stepped near the lake ever again.
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