Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5 LAGUNA AND MRS. LAGOON SHOWED THE Junior Monster Scouts four swimming steps: Float. Kick. Crawl. Turn your head side to side. "It's very important that you do not panic," said Mrs. Lagoon. "If you feel tired, or scared, just tread water. You already know how to do that. Just keep those feet moving like you're pedaling a bicycle and use your hands to spread little circles across the water."

"Like this?" said Franky. He waded in a little deeper and did just as Mrs. Lagoon had instructed. "Just like that!" said Mrs. Lagoon. "Show-off," said Vampyra. She splashed Franky and Wolfy. "Look, Mom," said Laguna, "the rain is gone and the sun is out!" "The clouds are all over the lake now," said Wolfy. It was true. All the rain clouds had moved over the lake and were starting to clump together, one by one. "Well, it looks like a perfect afternoon for swimming lessons," said Mrs. Lagoon. "And my swimming test!" said Laguna. She was feeling much braver with the Junior Monster Scouts in the water with her. "I can't wait to see you swim out to that marker!" said Vampyra. "You'll pass your swim test in no time."

"I'll bet you'll all be able to pass that test before you know it," said Mrs. Lagoon. "Now let's get swimming. Laguna will help me show you each of the steps. Ready?" "Ready!" said Franky. "Ready," said Wolfy. "Ready?" said Vampyra. She was not so sure. But whether they were really ready (like Franky), or kind of ready (like Wolfy), or somewhat, but not really, ready (like Vampyra), they all followed Laguna and Mrs. Lagoon a little bit farther out into the water.

First it was up to their knees. Then up to their waists. Then right up under their chins. "Let's practice those strokes," said Mrs. Lagoon. "Make your body as light as you can, and float on the surface. Kick your legs, use your arms and hands to crawl through the water, and turn your head from side to side." "Wow," said Laguna. "You Junior Monster Scouts sure are quick learners!" It was true. Franky, Wolfy, and Vampyra were swimming back and forth while Laguna and Mrs. Lagoon cheered and clapped and

said things like "Good job!" and "Way to kick those legs!" They were having a wonderful time. A spectacular time! Splashing and swimming and laughing. The sun was shining and the birds were… not singing. That was odd. No birds were singing or chirping. No bunny rabbits were hopping along the bank of the river. It was a bit unusual. But they did not notice. They were too busy having fun. "Ready for your test, Laguna?" asked Mrs. Lagoon. "I sure am," Laguna said. "All you have to do is swim out to that floating marker and then swim back," said Mrs. Lagoon. "I'll be close by in case you need help." Mrs. Lagoon turned to the Junior Monster Scouts and said, "It's important to remember that you should never swim alone."

Laguna took a deep breath. She stretched her arms. She stretched her legs. Then she pushed forward and began her swim out to the floating marker. "Way to float, Laguna!" said Mrs. Lagoon. "Look at her kick!" said Wolfy. "Look at her crawl with those strokes," said Franky. "Look at her move her head from side to side to breathe," Vampyra said. It was true—Laguna was doing a fine job and would be at that floating marker in no time. But those clouds over the lake? They were getting bigger and darker. To be honest, those clouds are making me a bit nervous for Laguna and the Junior Monster Scouts. Gulp.