Legend says that if you hear a mermaid sing, you'll always be happy! But Emma had a big problem today - bigger than happy! Emma was supposed to watch her puppy, Jacob, all by herself. Mom and Dad said it was a big responsibility.
"Being responsible means taking good care of things," Mom had said, giving Jacob a big hug.
"And making good choices," Dad added, scratching Jacob behind the ears.
Jacob wagged his tail and licked Dad's nose, which made them both laugh. But Emma wasn't laughing. What if she wasn't a good girl? What if something happened to Jacob? He was wiggly and fast!
Later that day, Emma and Jacob were playing in the park. It was a beautiful day! The sun was shining, birds were singing, and fluffy clouds looked like cotton candy. Jacob chased squirrels and rolled in the grass. Emma pushed him on the swings and then they shared a juice box. Suddenly, Jacob's ears perked up. He started barking and ran toward the little creek that ran through the park.
"Jacob! Come back!" Emma shouted, but Jacob didn't listen. He was splashing in the water, tail wagging like crazy. Emma ran after him, worried. "Jacob, what if you fall in? It's too cold for a swim!" But then she heard it - a beautiful, shimmering voice singing a song. It seemed to come from the water.
Peeking through the bushes, Emma couldn't believe her eyes! There, sitting on a rock in the middle of the creek, was a real-life mermaid! She had long, flowing hair the color of seaweed and a sparkly tail that shimmered like emeralds.
"Wow!" Emma whispered. The mermaid smiled. "Hello there, little one! My name is Coral. You must be Emma."
Emma's jaw dropped. "You... you can talk?"
Coral giggled, a sound like tinkling bells. "Of course, I can talk! Mermaids love to sing and chat. But how did I know your name? Oh, Jacob told me all about you!"
Emma gasped and looked at Jacob, who was now sitting politely beside the mermaid. She could understand him! Jacob whined and nudged Coral's fin with his nose.
"He says you're worried about being responsible," Coral translated.
"I am," Emma admitted. "What if I wasn't a good girl and something bad happened to Jacob?"
Coral smiled gently. "Being responsible isn't about never making mistakes," she said. "It's about learning from them and trying your best. You came after Jacob to keep him safe, didn't you?"
Emma nodded. "I did."
"And you're always kind and loving to him," Coral added. "That's what matters most."
Jacob barked happily and licked Emma's face. Emma giggled. She realized Coral was right. She was already being responsible, even if it didn't always feel like it.
"Thanks, Coral," Emma said. "You're the best mermaid ever!"
Coral winked. "And you, Emma, are a wonderful friend. Now, why don't you two head home? It's getting late."
Emma and Jacob waved goodbye to Coral and made their way out of the park. As they walked, Emma held tightly onto Jacob's leash. She knew she couldn't always prevent him from getting into mischief, but she would always be there to keep him safe.
Back home, snuggled up with Jacob, Emma told her parents all about meeting Coral the mermaid. They smiled and hugged her tight.
"See?" Mom said. "You are a very responsible girl."
And Emma knew, with all her heart, that she was.
