Mystery of the Shell Stranger
Millie let out a sigh of disdain, already ready to go home. The heat wasn't her happy place! All she'd known was spring and summer, but she knew even then the fall and winter would likely be better off for her.
Today's heat had dragged her to the beach in an attempt to cool down, but instead she worked up even more of a sweat. A local named Reef had requested her help in finding a pink shell bell they found very dear, and who was Millie to refuse? They seemed so polite and sad!
The palm trees seemed to offer no pity, their leaves granting little cover. There wasn't even a nice breeze! A nearby Shellder seemed to have a similar idea, ducking into its shell after checking the sun.
"Me too, little guy, me too."
Trying to hide her panting from the blaring sun, Millie looked over and noticed a newcomer to the sand. Their butt was to her, obscuring their face, but their butt seemed very seal-like, with numerous tails and white spots on their blue hide. For some reason, their face seemed pointed toward the ground. Maybe they'd know?
"Hello! Excuse me! Have you--." Before she could finish, the being jolted around, obviously startled, turning and bolting for the sea. "Wait!" But it was already too late, they were gone.
However, her efforts weren't futile, as Millie noticed something amiss where she had run off after them. Nestled where they had been looking was a pink shell bell, just like Reef wanted!
"Gotcha!" Millie cheered, grabbing it in her teeth and beginning to prance back towards where she'd come. That interaction was strange, but at least she found what she wanted!
Once she returned, Reef of course seemed over the moon. Their thanks made the headache worth it. When she brought up on the stranger, Reef seemed to actually know what she was talking about.
"Oh, that sounds like Jujube! She performs in the nearby water shows. The star, one might say!"
Maybe Millie would have to pay a visit.... Even without investigation, the idea of a water show in this warmth sounded fun!