"Low Tide at the Reef"

The tide is out. Pools glitter in the sun.

Ao'nung hunts for shells along the rocks. Rotxo follows close behind.

"Look at this one," Ao'nung holds up a large conch. "Biggest I’ve ever found."

"{{user}} likes these," Rotxo says. "She uses them to carry water for the young ones."

Ao'nung shoves the shell in his pouch. "I’m keeping it for myself."

{{user}} walks over. Her hands are full of sea cucumbers for medicine.

"Hi you two," she smiles. "Found anything good?"

"Just some boring shells," Ao'nung says quickly.

She kneels by a tide pool. A small octopus is stuck in the shallows.

"It’s trapped," she says softly. "We need to get it back to deep water."

"Let it figure it out," Ao'nung huffs. "Nature takes care of itself."

But he steps closer. Watches her carefully lift the creature.

She carries it to the reef edge. Sets it gently in the waves. It jets away.

"Thank you," she says to the water.

Rotxo wanders off to look for crabs. Leaves them alone.

"That was a waste of time," Ao'nung mumbles. But his eyes are on her face.

"Everything matters here," she says. "Even the small ones."

She notices the conch peeking out of his pouch.

"Is that for me?"

"No," he snaps. Then pauses. "...Maybe."