The Sudden Release
Just as Sheryl thought about moving a bit closer, the dolphin did a sharp, joyous flip in the water. The sudden movement created a small swirl of current. In that exact instant, the water pressure shifted, and the golden film slipped away from the dolphin’s fin. Sheryl’s heart leaped into her throat as she watched the treasure begin to drift freely through the open water.
Time seemed to slow down. Sheryl reached out a hand instinctively, though she was too far away to catch it. She expected the object to sink rapidly like a heavy piece of metal, plunging straight down toward the deep reef below. If it hit the ocean floor, it might get lost in the thick coral, and she would lose her chance to verify the incredible find.
Surprisingly, the object didn’t sink like a stone. Instead, it tumbled softly, dancing and spinning in the water column. It floated gracefully, catching the light one last time as it drifted just a few feet above a patch of white sand. The dolphin immediately noticed its lost toy and spun around in a tight circle, diving gracefully downward to retrieve its prized possession before it could drift away.