A Playful Companion
The dolphin seemed to notice Sheryl’s steady gaze. It separated itself from the rest of the pod and swam in a wide, elegant circle around her. Sheryl held her breath, completely captivated. The golden object was just a few meters away now. It looked perfectly metallic. She could almost picture the old Spanish markings that might be stamped onto its surface.
She took a slow, deep breath through her regulator, trying to calm her racing pulse. This was the kind of moment every diver dreamed about. It wasn’t just about the monetary value of the gold; it was the sheer thrill of the mystery. The dolphin clicked happily, releasing a small trail of silver bubbles that floated past Sheryl’s mask, adding to the magic of the scene.
The artifact remained securely wedged against the dolphin’s fin, defying the drag of the water. Sheryl wondered if the metal was more like a foil to have somehow molded slightly around the fin, holding it in place. It looked secure, a permanent part of the animal’s playful outfit. She kept her eyes glued to the brilliant yellow hue, waiting for a chance to get an even closer look.