Flora's Glowing Gulp

The water today was as clear as glass, and my fins flicked rhythmically through the warm current. My best friend Maya was already waiting by the Great Neon Reef, her curly hair floating like a dark cloud around her head. 'Flora, look at this!' she called out, waving her hand toward a cluster of shimmering blue coral that danced with the tide.

I swam closer, noticing something I had never seen before tucked between the sea-fans. It looked like a tiny, translucent jelly-puff, glowing with a soft pink light and wiggling as if it were dancing. Maya’s eyes were wide with curiosity as she reached out to touch the strange little morsel. She had always been the brave one, while I preferred the snacks I already knew.

'It’s a Sun-Drop treat from the deep currents,' Maya whispered, plucking it and holding it out to me. My stomach did a little somersault because it looked so squishy and weird. I didn't want to be rude, but what if it tasted like salt-mud? I took a deep breath, squeezed my eyes shut, and popped the glowing puff into my mouth.

Instead of the weird taste I expected, a burst of sweet star-fruit and bubbly honey exploded on my tongue! It was the most delicious thing I had ever tasted in the whole ocean. My eyes flew open and I couldn't help but giggle as the sweet bubbles tickled my throat. Maya laughed too, seeing the look of pure joy on my face.

We spent the rest of the afternoon searching for more Sun-Drops among the coral. I realized that just because something looks different doesn't mean it isn't wonderful. Now, whenever Maya finds something new, I'm the first one in line to try a bite. Adventure, it turns out, tastes a lot better than I ever imagined.