The Seal and the Puffin

The Seal and the Puffin Jane MEADOW

On a rocky island in the middle of the wide blue sea, a young seal named Sammy lived happily. Sammy had a sleek silvergrey body with darker speckles and a soft cream belly. His large, glossy dark brown eyes sparkled with friendliness, and his long white whiskers twitched whenever he smiled. Every morning, Sammy woke up early to watch the sun rise over the water. 1

One sunny day, a little puffin flew over the island and landed near Sammy. The puffin had black and white feathers, a bright orange beak with grey-blue at the base, and round white face patches. He looked curious and cheerful. 'Hello!' said Sammy with a warm smile. 'I'm Sammy the seal. What's your name?' The puffin puffed out his chest and chirped, 'I'm Percy!' 2

Sammy and Percy became friends right away. They played together by the sea, splashing in the shallow water and chasing little waves. Percy waddled on his orange webbed feet, and Sammy glided through the water. They laughed and played until the sun began to set. 'I'm so glad we met,' said Percy. 'Me too,' said Sammy, his whiskers twitching with joy. 3

As the days passed, Sammy and Percy did everything together. They explored the rocky shore, looking for shiny shells and pretty pebbles. Percy would fly up and circle around Sammy, who barked happily from the water. They shared stories and secrets, and their friendship grew stronger each day. The island felt like a wonderful home for both of them. 4

One afternoon, Sammy noticed something strange in the sky. Dark clouds were gathering on the horizon, and the wind began to blow. Sammy knew the signs of a big storm coming. He quickly swam to find Percy, who was playing near the rocks. 'Percy!' called Sammy. 'A big storm is on its way! We need to find you a safe place to stay.' 5

Percy looked worried. 'A storm? But where will I go?' he asked. 'I don't have a proper nest yet.' Sammy thought for a moment. 'Don't worry,' he said gently. 'I know these rocks well. I'll help you find a cozy, sheltered spot where the wind can't reach you.' Percy felt a little better knowing his friend was there to help. 6

Sammy led Percy along the rocky shore, looking for just the right place. They checked behind big boulders and under overhanging ledges. The wind was getting stronger, and the waves were getting bigger. 'We need to hurry,' said Sammy. 'But don't worry, we'll find something soon.' Percy followed closely, trusting his friend to keep him safe. 7

Finally, Sammy spotted a narrow gap between two large rocks. Inside, there was a dry, sheltered space, protected from the wind and rain. 'Look here, Percy!' said Sammy. 'This would make a perfect nest. It's cozy and safe.' Percy peeked inside. It was just the right size for a little puffin. 'It's wonderful!' he chirped. 'Thank you, Sammy!' 8

Percy quickly gathered soft grass and feathers to make his nest comfortable. Sammy helped by bringing small twigs and dry seaweed. Together, they made the little shelter warm and snug. 'You'll be safe here during the storm,' said Sammy. 'I'll stay close by to make sure you're okay.' Percy felt happy and grateful. 'You're the best friend ever,' he said. 9

That night, the storm arrived with loud thunder and flashing lightning. The wind howled and the rain poured down. But Percy was safe in his cozy nest, tucked away between the rocks. Sammy stayed nearby, sheltered in a small pool, keeping watch. Percy felt warm and secure, knowing his friend was close. He snuggled down and slept peacefully through the night. 10

In the morning, the storm had passed. The sky was clear and blue, and the sea was calm again. Sammy swam over to Percy's nest. 'Percy! Are you okay?' he called. Percy popped his head out, looking happy and rested. 'I'm fine! Your shelter kept me safe all night!' Sammy's eyes twinkled with joy. 'I'm so glad!' he said. 11

Percy hopped out of his nest and shook his feathers. 'I feel wonderful!' he chirped. 'Let's celebrate!' Sammy barked with delight. They splashed in the calm water and played on the sunny rocks. Percy flew in happy circles around Sammy. 'Thank you for helping me,' said Percy. 'That's what friends are for,' said Sammy with a warm smile. 12

From that day on, Sammy and Percy were even closer friends. They knew they could always count on each other. Percy kept his cozy nest, and Sammy often visited to say hello. They played and laughed together, and their friendship grew stronger and stronger. The island was a happy home for both of them, filled with kindness and joy. 13

One sunny afternoon, Percy said to Sammy, 'You know, I was really scared about the storm. But you helped me find a safe place, and I felt so much better.' Sammy nodded. 'I'm glad I could help,' he said. 'Friends help each other, especially when things are hard.' Percy agreed. 'I'll always help you too, Sammy. That's a promise!' 14

Sammy and Percy spent many happy days together on the rocky island. They explored new places and met new friends. And whenever a storm was coming, they knew they could face it together. Their friendship was a treasure, built on kindness and trust. The little puffin and the friendly seal were the best of friends, now and always.