Read Online Broken Promises by Summer Waters - Free Book Online

relief evaporated. Knowing Claudia was looking after the dolphins had lulled her into a false sense of security. The dolphins on the beach were still in danger. They’d been out of water too long already. Time was running out. At once she headed for the shore. Cai and Hannah swam next to her. It was a good feeling; so many Silver Dolphinstogether. They waded ashore.
    Claudia was watering the dolphins with her can. Her sea-green eyes lit up as they approached. Antonia dropped on to her knees in the sand between the two dolphins. Claudia had been busy. She’d completely wrapped each dolphin in a wet sheet. The smaller dolphin looked more alert than before. Antonia was worried about the larger one, though. He didn’t seem to be responding at all. His eyes were dull and he didn’t move when she rested a hand on him.
    Be strong , she thought, pressing her hands against each dolphin. Warmth rushed through her and her fingers prickled with magic.
    Be strong.
    The smaller dolphin’s side quivered, butthe larger one was ominously still.
    â€œAntonia…” Claudia’s voice broke through her thoughts. “It’s time to get her back into the sea.”
    Antonia looked up and saw Cai and Hannah positioned at the little dolphin’s head, ready to carry her on the sheet stretcher. They were whispering together. Hannah shot her a look of sympathy. As she took her place at the dolphin’s tail, Antonia wondered what they were whispering about. Then Claudia came and stood opposite her.
    â€œOn the count of three,” said Claudia. “One, two, three, lift.”
    Gently they lifted the dolphin off the sand and walked her down to the sea. It was a slow process. Antonia shuffled along, willingeveryone to go faster, even though she knew they were doing their best. The tide was even further out now. They squelched across the wet sand until finally they reached the water. Tiny waves ran away from them, the tide sucking them back to the ocean.
    â€œDon’t stop,” called Claudia. “Go deeper.”
    They kept on walking, step by agonising step, until finally the water in the middle of the creek came up to their waists. Antonia looked around, wondering if they should have moved the larger dolphin first. The tide was going out so quickly. He would need more water than this to swim in.
    â€œGently now,” said Claudia. “Turn her round so she’s facing the right way.”
    Everyone moved round until the dolphin’shead was facing out to sea.
    â€œRight then. Let her go.”
    Slowly they lowered the dolphin into the water.
    â€œDrop the sheet,” called Claudia.
    Antonia released her corner and the sheet sank away from the dolphin. At first the dolphin didn’t move. Then she lifted her head as if trying to work out where she was.
    â€œYou’re safe now,” clicked Antonia. “The ocean’s that way. Your pod is waiting for you. Off you go.”
    The dolphin nuzzled Antonia’s hand with her nose.
    â€œThank you, Silver Dolphins,” she squeaked.
    â€œBe safe,” clicked Antonia.
    â€œCai, Hannah,” said Claudia. “Swim with the dolphin back out to sea. She’s still weak. She may need help.”
    As Cai and Hannah swam away, Antonia turned to Claudia with puzzled eyes.
    â€œWhat about the other dolphin?” she asked. “Surely we need help with him?”
    Claudia shook her head. “I’m sorry, Antonia.”
    â€œWhat?” Antonia was stunned. “You don’t mean…he’s not dead, is he?”
    Tears stinging her eyes, Antonia struck out for the beach. She could barely see where she was going. Angrily she rubbed the tears away, not stopping until she reached the large dolphin lying motionless on the sand. Antonia fell on him, wrapping her arms round his neck, willing him to be alive.
    â€œAntonia,” Claudia panted up the beach and gently pulled her away.
    â€œIt’s my