PIRATES

Through Rough Waters

"The waters, Captain!"

"Hold your tongue, William!" screamed the weary sailor. "We've managed through worse!"

William could barely see his captain, whose encouraging words were lies. They had never been through worse. He slipped across the deck to the main sail and held on for dear life.

"It's been an honor, sir!" shouted the first mate, anticipating a watery grave as his grip failed.

"Jeffrey!"

"Harpies!" yelled the captain.

"Jeffrey, I said get out of the tub."

"OK, Mom." The little boy withdrew his plastic tugboat from the water.

— DANIEL MULLEN