Lily ran to the beach with her red pail.
Look, a shiny seashell! she yelled.
Her friend Sam ran to her.
Wow, it’s so big! said Sam.
Do you think it has a secret? asked Lily.
Let’s listen and find out! said Sam.
Lily held the seashell to her ear.
I hear the ocean! she said.
Sam took a turn.
It sounds like waves, he said.
Do you think it’s magic? asked Lily.
Maybe it can talk! said Sam.
They smiled and listened closely.
Suddenly, the seashell whispered, Hello, children!
Lily jumped back. Did it just speak?
Sam nodded, eyes wide.
Yes, and it sounded friendly, he said.
Hello, Seashell. Who are you? asked Lily.
I am Neptune, the ocean’s voice, answered the seashell.
Wow, Neptune! What secrets do you know? asked Sam.
Neptune chuckled. I know about fish, dolphins, and treasure.
Tell us about the dolphins! Lily said.
Dolphins love to play. They jump and spin, shared Neptune.
Do they talk like you? asked Sam.
They talk with clicks and whistles, said Neptune.
What about treasure? asked Lily.
Deep down, pirates hide their gold, whispered Neptune.
Can we find it? Sam asked.
The ocean keeps its secrets well, Neptune replied.
Thank you, Neptune, said Lily.
You are welcome, friends, said the seashell.
We’ll visit you again, said Sam.
Goodbye, children, whispered Neptune.
Lily and Sam waved and smiled.
They skipped home, holding their magic seashell.
The end.