75 THE COAST

CHAPTER 75 THE COAST As the fleet of robots sailed away, the animals came out from their hiding places. Slowly, cautiously, the curious creatures crept toward the coast to see if the poison tide was really gone. Swooper the owl flew down from the hills. With his sharp vision, he searched for any last traces of the poison tide. Specks of shimmering dust could still be found in some cracks and crevices, but the rest had been removed. Animals smiled as the owl glided over, hooting, "Don't be afraid! A little caution is all you need!" Brightbill's family fluttered onto the shore and started exploring. The goslings had never been so close to the ocean. They were fascinated by the motion of the waves, and they giggled at the sounds of the sloshing water.

Bloop! Spish! Plunk! Tears rolled down Glimmer's cheeks and she cried out, "Oh, Brightbill, can you believe the poison tide has finally ended?" Brightbill shed a few tears as well. Sniffling, he said, "I knew my mother would find a way!" But as the family of geese peered into the shallows, they were reminded of the painful truth. All the sea life was missing. What had once been a healthy reef, bustling with activity, was now nothing more than water and rocks and sand. The goslings had questions. "Will fish ever live here again?" "What if the seaweed doesn't grow back?" "Is the water safe to touch?" That last question troubled Brightbill and Glimmer. The ocean seemed to be safe, but they didn't want their

goslings testing the water. Everybody was glancing around, wondering who would be the first to go in, when they heard a stampede of footsteps. Sea otters were charging over the rocks. A little caution would have been wise, but they couldn't wait another second. Otter after otter dove into the shallows, and when they popped up, they were grinning. "The water is fine!" squeaked Shelly. The otters linked arms to form a raft of furry bodies that undulated with the gently rolling waves. It was such a relief to be back where they belonged. Across the island, the animals were feeling a mixture of emotions. Joy that the poison tide was gone. Sadness about all that had been lost. Worry for Roz, who had given so much and who was still somewhere in the ocean. Roz hadn't been seen in nearly a month. It was impossible to know when she would return—or if she would return at all. A hush fell over the island as the animals gave quiet thanks to the wild robot. Even the young goslings were quiet at first. Soon, though, the goslings began squawking and hopping up and down and pointing excitedly at the ocean. Something was out there, moving through the water, and it was coming to shore.