squiddy's story part 15 A Parasol for the Pumpkin chapter 4 & stuff after

The midday warmth began to heat the orange skin of the pumpkin, so I went searching for shade along the dry drift line. Tucked between two gray logs, I found a clean, curved cockle shell attached to a sturdy dry twig. Balancing the stick carefully between my two front tentacles, I carried it back to our spot. Max hopped across the pumpkin's curve with lively chirps, helping me guide the twig into the sand right beside the rind. Now the broad white shell tilts overhead like an umbrella, casting a cool patch of blue shadow over you while Max taps happily on the stem.