The Short Chase, by Gerard Johnston

“Last one into the water is a rotten egg!”

“Not me!” shouted Jenner as she bolted into the crystal-like water. It was a blazing day down at Claw Island, which made it the perfect day to be there.

“Alright, kids, that’s enough. Lunchtime!”

“Kylie, Monica and Skyler, you come with us. Jenner, you stay.”

So, off went the Millers into the sunny horizon—all except Jenner, who lay innocently under the scorching sun.

The wind gushed through the air as little droplets piled onto Jenner. It seemed the clouds were having a fit with the wind, which turned it into disastrous weather.

An umbrella! Finally, my luck has returned, thought Jenner. But the umbrella thought, Not so fast, and sped away at top speed. Just when it couldn’t get any worse, a deafening noise started blaring from a newly installed speaker. Jenner’s face turned from calm to pale.

“MUM! DAD! Where are you?” sobbed Jenner, but there was no response.

The ground began to tremble as little bits of sand flew from the ground. Bit by bit, a large creature arose from the water. One ginormous eye came out, staring Jenner down and not moving an inch. Jenner couldn’t move. Instead, she ran as though her life depended on it. The creature just watched, then started stomping at the water’s edge.

At last, the monster gave up the chase.

At least, that was what Jenner thought.