The Fading Reef

The ocean felt different today. Marina darted through the coral reef, her heart sinking as she noticed the once-vibrant colors had faded.

“Kai, look!” she called, gliding over a patch of coral that looked almost gray. “Why does it look so… tired?”

Kai, swimming slower and more thoughtful, tilted his head. “It’s as if it’s lost its sparkle. And the coral isn’t just pretty, Marina. It breathes, it grows. It’s alive.”

Marina frowned, inspecting the coral closely. “But why does it look sick?”

A tiny shrimp nearby piped up, his voice quivering. “The storm... it changed everything! I don’t like it one bit.”

Kai swam in circles, deep in thought. “The storm was powerful, but this... it’s strange. Coral’s strong, yet something’s really wrong.”

They exchanged a worried glance. Around them, the usually cheerful fish whispered and darted anxiously, their bright scales dulled by the strange mood of the reef.

“We need answers,” Marina said firmly. “Someone must know what’s happening.”

Kai nodded. “There’s one fish who might.”

Marina’s eyes lit up with hope. “Grandfin! If anyone remembers the old ways of the ocean, it’s him.”

Together, they swam off, hearts pounding with worry and determination.