Freyja is a little mermaid. She lives in a calm blue ocean. Her tail sparkles like a rainbow in the sun. She is curious and kind. She has a special shell. The shell is shiny and smooth. It is a gift from her mother. Freyja keeps it safe in a small sand bed near her home.
One bright morning, Freyja wakes up and swims to the sand bed. She looks for her shell. She sees tiny starfish and small fish. She hums a happy tune. Then she notices the sand is empty. The shell is gone. Freyja feels sad. She covers her mouth. She looks left and right. She takes a deep breath.
Freyja calls softly, “Shell, where are you?” A gentle coral flower nearby sways in the current. It smiles and says, “I saw a silver shell drift past the coral cave.” Freyja thanks the flower with a small wave. She feels hope. She sways her tail and swims toward the cave.
Along the way, she meets a seahorse called Horse. Horse is small and friendly. He nods and asks, “Can I help?” Freyja replies, “Yes, please. I must find my shell.” Horse prances and leads her on. They swim past waving seaweed and little clown fish. The clown fish play hide and seek among the plants.
They count sea stars as they go. One, two, three, four. The numbers make Freyja giggle. She feels brave. She smiles at Horse. They reach a bright field of seagrass. The grass sways like dancers. A shy crab hides beneath a leaf. It peeks out and says, “Hello.”
Freyja says, “Hello, friend.” The crab points with a claw and says, “I saw the shell near the old rock.” Freyja claps with joy. She thanks the crab. She and Horse swim on toward the rock. They move past a school of fish that shine like silver coins.
At the old rock, Freyja feels a little shy. The rock is tall and dark. She calls, “Shell, are you here?” The sea princess appears. She wears a crown of pearls and seaweed. She smiles and says, “I will help you find your shell.” The princess holds a glowing lamp made from a giant pearl.
They dive into a small cave under the rock. The lamp glows on the walls. Strange shapes appear. Freyja and her friends swim carefully. Suddenly, a cluster of clams opens. One big clam holds the shell inside. Freyja gasps. The shell glitters in the clam’s mouth.
Freyja says, “Oh, there you are!” The princess gently coaxes the clam. The clam lets go. Freyja reaches in and takes her shell. It is warm in her flipper. The shell sings a soft melody. Freyja hugs it close. Her heart feels happy.
Outside the cave, they all cheer. The coral flower blooms bright. The crab waves its claws. The clown fish wiggle their bodies. Horse prances in circles. The sea princess claps her hands. Freyja beams a big smile. She shares a piece of sweet sea candy with each friend.
They swim back to Freyja’s home in a joyful parade. They pass dancing seaweed, curious fish, and colorful corals. Freyja holds her shell high. The water sparkles around them. She waves to everyone. Her mother waits by the sand bed.
Freyja shows her mother the shell. Her mother hugs her tightly. She says, “You were brave and kind, my dear Freyja.” Freyja feels warm inside. She places the shell by her bed in the sand. She feels safe.
That night, Freyja sleeps under the moonlight. The shell glows softly beside her. She dreams of new adventures with her friends. She knows the ocean is full of wonders. She smiles in her sleep, ready for tomorrow.