squiddy's story part 19 A Gentle Tide Pool Sanctuary chapter 5 before visitin...

I nestled into the cool water of the sheltered rock crevice, watching the tranquil ripples wash away the frantic rush of our great escape. The dark hollow wrapped around us like a peaceful cradle. Max hopped onto a flat, damp shelf of barnacles right beside my mantle, his plastic eyes slowly settling as he let out a low, relieved chirp. Safe under the overhang of damp seaweed, I curled my tired tentacles around the edge of our pool. I lowered my radiance to a sleepy, gentle cyan rhythm, letting our weary little band rest under the calm murmur of the sea.