Safe and Sound

Written by,
Ian Toomey

Safe and Sound

Adjective
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Out of danger and unharmed, as in The children were found Safe and
Sound. Unhurt (www.Dictionary.com)

I groaned. Mom and dad have come into my room at 6am, and now theyve
gone and woke me up.
Its too early!
Good morning, Seth! Happy Birthday! Mom said as I sat up and pulled my
bed covers tighter around me to try to keep the warmth in.
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Wait, is it actually my birthday today? I asked, still half asleep. Excitement

rushed through me. I was wide awake now.
It is your birthday, kiddo! Your ten years old now! Congratulations! Dad
said, running his hand through my hair. I pulled away, and mom and dad laughed.
Our dog, Seaside, came trotting in. He barked. I laughed and scratched his
head. Seaside is a five-year-old golden retriever. Mom and dad got him for my 8 th
birthday a few years ago. Hes a happy, playful, cool dog.
How does it feel to be ten years old now, buddy? Dad asked.
Fantastic! I exclaimed enthusiastically.
If you get up now and come downstairs, well have breakfast, then you can
open your presents! Mom said.
Yes! I exclaimed, peeling my blankets off and standing up. I pulled my blue
and red race car blanket off my bed and wrapped it around me. I put my slippers on
and followed mom and dad downstairs.
Mom and dad had made my favorite breakfast: Toast and pancakes with
bacon and sausage on the side. I was excited! I rarely get to have my favorite
breakfast, since eggs and milk are so expensive now. Mom and dad usually buy
cereal since its cheaper. I dont really mind cereal, but sometimes its nice to have
a break from cereal.
We ate breakfast, mom and dad sang the happy birthday song to me, and I
got to open my presents. One of my favorite gifts was a zip line kit. We live in a
forest, so there would be plenty of trees to attach the cables to. Another one was a
brand new shiny red bike! My current bike was getting too small, but now I had a
better bike that actually fits me! Yes!
After I finished opening my presents, I got dressed and packed, and we
headed down to the marina. We finished prepping the sailboat for the five-day
voyage we were about to undertake. Today, we are going on a sailing trip in the
Pacific Ocean. Mom and dad bought the sailboat when I was two, so its been
around for my entire life. I LOVE going out on it.
We drove to the marina, which is a forty-five-minute trip from our house. I
slept off for most of the trip.
Seth! Wake up, buddy! mom was shaking me. I opened my eyes and looked
around groggily.
My mind was muddled and I didnt recognize where we were.
Where are we?
The marina. Were going out on the sailboat, remember?
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Suddenly everything came back to me.

Oh yeah! I remember now!
Get on out and help us unpack and get ready, pal.
I helped Mom unload our suitcases and the cooler and carry them, two by
two, to the sailboat. I put my suitcase in my cabin, then went back out to help mom
and dad finish unloading the van.
When we were finished unloading, Dad and I got the sails ready for action. We
checked the stitching and block and tackle system, and the rope and pulleys to
make sure they were all working properly. We checked the water systems, toilet
systems (ewww!), and other critical systems. Lastly we checked the engine to make
sure it was working properly. We inspected the hull for dings or scratches, and fixed
a couple of them. By now it was almost noon, so we took a break for lunch. Mom
had made tuna fish sandwiches with broccoli salad and apple juice on the side, my
favorite lunch.
After lunch we locked the car, and started the trip. We used the motor to get out of
the marina, then Dad and I raised the sails and shut down the engines. It was really
windy today, so we moved at a pretty good pace. The only thing I was scared of was
being on deck in the choppy ocean. I was worried I was going to slip and fall off.
Usually I would stand next to Dad while I clipped myself to the railing with some
rope and a carabiner so I wont go into the ocean if I slipped off. The ocean was
calm today, for which I was grateful. That meant I didnt need my rope and
carabiner safety kit.
-A few hours laterWe were sailing slowly through the calm waters. There was a light wind,
which helped push us along. I saw black clouds on the horizon, but thought they
would stay there. I was wrong.
In the space of about fifteen minutes, the sky had gone from bright blue and
cherry to dark black and depressing. Rain fell in bucket loads on the deck. I
scrambled down below deck so I wouldnt fall off. Dad came down and got his coat,
then went back up on deck.
I watched the waves around the boat as they grew bigger and bigger through
a window. Mom sat down next to me and watched the raging ocean.
Hey, kiddo. Ive been thinking. You should set some goals you want to
accomplish this year. She said after a few moments.
Like what? I asked curiously.
Well, would you like to try a sport?
Hmm, maybe soccer.
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Alright, thats great! Youll have to practice a lot so you can be good at it.
Maybe Ill see if Christopher would like to do it with me! That would be
awesome!
Christopher is my best friend. We do everything together.
Just then the boat rocked violently to the side. Cupboards opened and pots,
pans, plates, and other dishes spilled out onto the floor. I heard a thump above us.
The boat rocked to the other side again, and more stuff spilled out. The ship bucked
upwards, and I slid down the leather bench I was kneeling on. The boat continued to
rock back and forth and forward and back. I clung to the leather for safety. I looked
to Mom, and she smiled.
Heck of a storm, eh? She said.
I nodded, too apprehensive to speak.
Dont worry. Well be okay. Im sure Dads got it under control, pal. Mom
said.
I crawled over to Mom and she embraced me. Ive got you kiddo.
The boat tipped violently to one side, and I heard scrambling footsteps up on
the deck above me. I heard a yell, then there was a splash in the water beside the
boat. I looked out, and saw Dad bobbing in the water, an orange life jacket secured
around his neck. I yelled and pointed out at him and Mom looked out. She jumped
up and ran up on deck, grabbing her coat as she went from her suitcase. I got my
coat and followed Mom up on deck. Just as I stepped onto the deck, another giant
wave broadsided us and washed up over the deck. The force of the water pushed
me off my feet.
Suddenly my worst fear was becoming a reality. I didnt have a life jacket on,
and now I was sliding into the big, deep, Pacific Ocean. I heard Mom yell my name,
but there was nothing she could do. I slid off the deck on my stomach and fell five
feet into the ocean. The next thing I knew; I was completely submerged in the
ocean. I swam upwards, and finally I broke the surface, gasping desperately for air. I
started treading water almost instantly. I looked around. Dad was about thirty yards
away from me, and the boat was about a hundred yards from me. Dad was
swimming desperately swimming towards me, but he was pushed further and
further away from me by the waves.
Mom was on the boat, trying to pilot it towards me, but the waves had the
boat broadside, and Mom could not get the boat to turn into the waves. Eventually I
guess she gave up and decided that the boat wasnt going to follow her commands,
because she hopped the railing and jumped into the ocean. She started swimming
towards me. The waves pushed her to me, and finally, we were able to grab each
others hands. She pulled me close to her and hugged me tightly.
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Are you okay, Seth? Mom asked.

I nodded, shivering. My fingers and toes were ice cold, and I assumed I would
die soon.
I felt something grab my shirt, and I looked around. Dad had hugged me from
behind. He had managed to get to us.
Were a family. Nothing can tear family apart. Not even the ocean.
Im sorry this happened on your birthday, kiddo. This wasnt how we had
planned the day to go. Im sorry. Dad said softly.
Thats okay, Dad. Im just glad were together.
Me too, Seth. Me too.
The Flying Eagle, a pirate ship, hosted a band of pirates who ruled the Pacific
Ocean. Their captain, Hassaen Gregorich, was a ruthless German man who was
wanted in twelve countries for charges including murder, treason, spying, piracy,
and stealing from the queen of England. Hassaen smiled to himself as he thought of
the heist in London. He had stolen a valuable piece of art right from the queen's
private quarters, and he had made off like a bandit. Now he was on a mission to add
another charge to his long list. He had heard of a sailing boat with a family on board
nearby. He wanted the family on his ship. More slaves to do the dirty work, he
thought.
-//I can finally float easier. Dad gave me his life jacket, and Im glad I have it.
Weve been floating since around 1:30PM, and now the sun has gone down and the
moon is high in the sky. I am physically and emotionally drained. This is not how I
wanted the first day of being ten years old to be like. Mom and Dad are exhausted,
and now were just floating on our backs hoping someone would come across us. I
stared at the moon, enjoying brilliant beauty. I liked the bright white color. Suddenly,
Dad started to yell. He was pointing at a lump in the ocean.
The storm died away about an hour ago, and now the ocean was calm. I knew
any lumps in the ocean were bound to be something. I turned over onto my
stomach and we started swimming towards the lump. The lump was a fairly nice
sized island. When we crawled up the shore, my arms and legs felt like blocks of
jelly. I was exhausted, starving, freezing cold, and all I wanted to do was sleep for
forever. Mom, dad and I fell asleep on the island, and we didnt wake up until the
sun was high in the sky the next day.
I woke up first. I tried to open my eyes, but they wouldnt open. I felt my
eyelids, and they were stuck closed by salt and sand. I crawled towards the ocean
to wash the salt off my eyelids, but the water didnt do anything. I was going to be
blind until I could wash the salt and sand off my eyes. I stumbled around until I
6

found Mom. She still hadnt woken up. Dad was still out cold as well. My stomach
growled, and I was reminded for the billionth time I was hungry. I went back to the
water and tried again to wash the sand and salt away from my eyelids. This time
around I was able to get them cleaned off, but when I opened my eyes, I was in for
a big shock.
My vision was blurry.
I couldnt see straight.
I stood up and went to the trees. I found a good-sized stick to use as a crutch
and to be able to detect obstacles in front of me. I could sort of see, but my vision
was not sharp, and that was the most frustrating part. I kept blinking, hoping my
vision would clear up, but it didnt.
Just then Mom called my name. She was awake.
Im over here, Mom! I replied. Using my stick to guide me, I went over to
and sat down on Moms lap. She pulled me into a hug, and at first I was a little
embarrassed that Mom was hugging me in public, but then I remembered that we
were the only people out here for miles, so I let it go.
Are you okay, Seth? Mom asked, breaking free from me.
Not really. My vision is blurry and I cant get it to clear.
Thats probably because youre dehydrated.
I sighed. At least were together.
Yep. Thats what matters, huh?
I nodded.
Now, if this chump would wake up, then maybe we could start on a rescue
signal. I hope someone knows were in trouble. I told the Harriss to call us on the
satellite phone today, so hopefully they figure out something is wrong.
Just then I saw a giant black object in the ocean. I pointed in its general
direction with my stick and told mom I was saw a ship, but she said there wasnt
anything there. I saw it. It was a giant ship, but Mom wasnt seeing it.
Mom, am I hallucinating?
I dont know.
A little while later Dad still hadnt woken up. I checked to see if he had a
pulse, and he did. So at least he was still alive. Mom had left to find a coconut or
something. I was sitting on the beach. All of a sudden I felt a sharp pain in my head,
and I shut my eyes. The pain subsided as soon as it came, and when I opened my
eyes again, I could see somewhat clearer!
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Mom! I can see again! I yelled.

No response. She must be too far away. I felt for my glasses, which I had put
next to me, and I put them on. With them on my vision became even sharper.
All of a sudden I noticed a large ship with sails out in the ocean. This time I
knew it was really there. I jumped up and ran towards mom. It was time for us to
deploy our leafy SOS signal. I found her halfway up a pine tree, trying to get to a
coconut at the top.
Mom! Theres a ship! A real ship! I yelled.
Hurriedly, mom climbed down the tree and ran with me to wave the ship
down. He looked out and saw the big black ship, and he put two and two together
pretty quickly. We all went to the beach and started waving and jumping up and
down and screaming. Suddenly it turned towards us. I took Moms hand and
cheered. Rescue was finally coming!
Ten minutes later the boat had stopped and a small dingy was coming
towards us. In it were three men that looked like pirates from the Pirates of the
Caribbean movie. Anxiously I hid behind mom as the pulled up on the shoreline.
Hi, there. You need some help? one of the men asked.
He was short and pudgy, and had long wispy strands of dark hair. He had a
beard and was wearing nothing but a leather coat without arm holes and dark black
jeans. His shoes looked old and weathered and had holes in them. He had a hat on
his head with a feather on it. The most frightening thing was the sword he had on
his hip. It was long and silver and glinted in the sun. I had wrapped my arms around
Moms leg, and I clung even tighter to her now. His two comrades were skinny, but
had the same clothing, but only the first man had a hat. All three of them had
swords on their hips.
Yeah. We got thrown off our sailboat and ended up here. Could you bring us
back to the port? Dad said.
Sure. Youre welcome to come with us on the Flying Eagle. Well take good
care of you. The same man said.
I squeezed moms leg. I didnt trust them at all. Mom bent down so we could
talk.
Whats wrong, buddy? She asked.
Im scared. Did you see those big swords they have?!
Oh, these swords are only for show. Were not going to hurt you. The man
with the feather on his hat said.
Are you pirates? I asked.
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The men chuckled.

No, son, were part of a show. We do pirate re-enactments all around the
country. Were regular people just like you are. The second man said.
I looked up at mom. She smiled. Its okay, buddy. We can trust them. She
said.
Come board the raft and well bring you to our vessel. I bet you folks are
starving. The man with the feather hat said.
We all nodded. I trusted the three men a little bit more now. We got on the
raft, and sat down. The man with the feather pushed off the shoreline, and they
started rowing the raft back to the ship. It took about fifteen minutes, then we
finally got to the Flying Eagle. Crewmates on the ship tossed 4 ropes down, and two
of the men tied the ends of the rope onto the ends of the raft, and on the sides of
the boat by where I was sitting. They turned on some winches, and slowly the boat
rose out of the ocean. When we got up to the deck, the crewmates pulled the boat
over and helped us off the raft and onto the deck. The whole ship was made of
wood, and the deck was nice and tidy, unlike most pirate ship decks I saw in
movies.
Were you shipwrecked? Another man asked from my right.
I jumped and turned. The man walking towards us was tall and was wearing a
large black trench coat. He had a sword on his hip that glinted in the sun. He had
messy black hair and a scraggly beard. Over one eye he had an eye patch and he
had a peg leg. His coat was torn and tattered, and his pants had holes in them at
the knees. He had a black wide brimmed hat on with two feathers on either side of
the hat.
Are you the captain, sir? I asked timidly.
Ah, a smart boy, I see. Yes, I am the captain. Welcome aboard the Flying Eagle.
What is your name? The man replied, his voice rough and gravelly.
Seth, sir.
Seth. My son was named Seth. Fine fellow. The captain said. Where are
you parents, Seth?
I looked around, expecting to see them on the deck, but they were going
inside the cabin.
There, sir. I pointed at the cabin where they went in.
I see, lad. Maybe you could introduce me to them?
Yes, sir.

I led the captain to the bridge and we went inside. I stopped for a second to
try to figure out where mom and dad went, but then I heard their voices down the
hallway. Dad was laughing at something. I continued down the hallway until we got
to a door at the very end.
To the left of me I heard moms voice. I turned and opened the door. Inside
was mom, dad, and the same man with the one feather on his hat.
Hey, Seth. Come in. dad said.
I went in and the captain followed me in. he shut the door behind him.
Are you Seths parents? he asked.
Mom and dad nodded.
I introduced mom and dad to the captain, and the captain to mom and dad.
They shook hands.
We saw your distress signal and thought you might need help. What happen
to you? The captain asked.
Mom quickly jumped in and explained what had happened to us. When she
finished the captain asked a few clarifying questions, then the room fell silent.
Are you folks hungry? The captain asked after a few moments.
I nodded eagerly.
We shall have a feast tonight.
-Later that nightWell, this is just great. I get to sleep on a cot on the floor while mom and dad
both get a bed to themselves. I told mom that it wasnt fair, but she just said I
should be glad I had a decent place to sleep. At least I had a blanket and a soft
pillow, so that made up for it. I wished I had my stuffed teddy bear to sleep with. Its
harder for me to sleep without my teddy bear. He comforts me and helps me relax
after a long hard day of school and play.
Just as I was drifting off to sleep with a full stomach of potatoes, meat, and
corn, I heard three loud bangs in the hallway. I jumped out of bed and ran to the
door. Suddenly three more bangs sounded from the hallway, and I heard three pops.
I heard footsteps coming towards our doorway. I went over to mom. She took me
into her arms as the footsteps stopped outside the door.
Seth, hide under the bed. Now! she whispered.
I hid under the bed and scooted up against the wall so I was hidden. Mom
draped the blanket over the opening to conceal me. Suddenly the door banged
open. I could see three pairs of boots though a cut out on the end of the bed frame.
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Wheres the boy? a mans voice asked. His voice was low and dark, almost
evil sounding
Hes in another room. He isnt here. dad said.
Which room?
The room across the hallway.
Check the room.
Two other men started looking around. I curled up into a ball to make myself
smaller. I watched the mens boots as they walked around the room. Suddenly one
man stopped. He knelt down and looked under the bed across from me, then he
lifted up the blankets of the bed I was hiding under.
Wait! I think he is outside. I think hes up on deck. He wanted to watch the
sunset tonight. mom spluttered.
Go check the deck.
The man by my bed stood up and the two of them left. The first man, the evil
sounding one, stayed behind.
If he isnt up there, well make you walk the plank.
We waited for a few more minutes, then I heard a loud thump up on deck.
The man in our room looked up and muttered something, then he turned and left,
closing and locking the door behind him. As soon as his footsteps faded, mom and
dad got down under the bed and pulled me out.
Are you okay, Seth? mom asked, pulling me into a hug.
Yeah, Im fine. I seriously thought he was going to find me!
I did too. We need to get out of here right now. I should have known this was
going to be a scam. I thought they were going to help us, but I was wrong. Argh!
Suddenly the door was flung open and a man entered.
"Arr, he was here the whole time! I knew it. Ye all are going to walk the plank
now. Up with ye!" The man yelled.
"Mom, I don't think this is a show that does re-enactments anymore." I
whispered to her.
"I think your right." she whispered back.
The boat had started to roll and buck, and the man shooed us up to the deck
where rain, wind, and sea-spray soaked us in under thirty seconds. The man
directed us to the side of a ship where he pulled a board over the edge. He grabbed
my arm and shoved me out onto the plank. I was now thirty feet above the ocean
11

with really nowhere to go. The man drew his sword and slowly advanced towards
me. I could either fake jump and maybe send the man into the drink, turn around
and try to jump back on deck, or just take the jump into the drink. I considered my
options, and finally chose to just make the jump into the ocean.
I turned towards the ocean, took a deep breath, plugged my nose with my
hand, and leaped. The ocean rushed up to meet me, and before I knew it, I had
plunged into the ocean. I let go of my nose and swam upwards. Suddenly dad
plunged in to my left, and mom on my right. When I broke the surface, I was
gasping for breath. I anxiously looked around for my parents, but I couldn't see
anything over the giant waves. Just then dad broke the surface next to me. He
grabbed my arm and pulled me close to him.

-MomSeth broke the surface and took hold of dad and me. We hugged each other,
then started swimming away from the ship. I was exhausted, and was having
trouble swimming. Dad started to swim away, and I swam after him, expecting Seth
to be right behind us, but he kept getting pushed further away from us. I yelled out
for him, and dad turned around to try to swim to him, but the ship came right in
between us and separated us. When the ship passed us, I noticed something
interesting. The boat was being propelled by a propeller. The sails were just for show
I guess. I kicked off the side of the ship and propelled myself away from the boat's
propeller, missing it by a few inches. I got caught in the swirling water and for a few
scary moments I was tumbling through the swell created by the propeller.
Finally, much to my relief, I popped back up above the surface. I greedily
gasped for air. I looked around for a sign of Seth, but all I saw were waves all around
me. Even the ship had disappeared. Or had they simply turned off all of their deck
and navigational lights and were coming around again to get me with the propeller?
I looked around anxiously while treading water, but I couldnt see anything. Dad and
I started swimming in the direction the waves were pushing me, and that made
swimming a ton easier. We swam for as long as we could, but before we knew it, we
were exhausted and breathing hard. I rolled onto my back and floated as the water
carried me along with the current. Now I could rest.
Sometime later, we heard a small motor near us. I rolled onto my stomach
and looked around. I saw a small orange boat. Spotlights were shining in the water
through the rain, and it passed over me, then it snapped back at me. I started to
wave at the boat, and three people waved back. The boat started to slow down, and
by the time it got to me, it had stopped. Two men reached over the side and pulled
me up on deck, then they pulled Dad out. I read the words on the side of the ship:
United States Coast Guard. We were finally in good hands. The men laid me on my
back on the floor of the ship, and one man started to look me over. He said his
name was Parker and that he was a medic. Well, I cant pronounce lieutenant, so he
12

just said to call him Parker. He checked my body for injuries, but I was fine. Then he
got a towel and wrapped me in it. The towel was warm and it helped me dry off. I
stood up and followed parker into the small cabin.
Whats your name? parker asked.
Evelyn.
Nice to meet you, Evelyn. Is it just you two out here, or are there others?
My son Seth is missing. He got pushed away from us by the waves. I said
sadly.
My eyes welled up with worry.
Whats happened? parker asked.
Dad and I explained what had happened.
When I finished, Parker said Dont worry, well going to find your son and get
you back to him. Well make sure hes okay. Thats a promise. He said.
Parker went over to a marine radio on the wall. He removed a microphone
from a hook on the wall and pushed a black button on the side.
He talked on it for a few moments, saying that they had picked up dad and
me, but that Seth was still missing. Other boats in the area said they would look for
Seth. He also said to look out for the Flying Eagle as well. Then after that he went to
the controls and he started up the three motors on the back of the boat. He turned
the boat around and accelerated.
Were going to take you folks to Coast Guard Station Santa Rosa. Its in
Florida. he said to us.
Thank you so much, sir. You saved our lives. dad said.
Im glad we found you both. Said Parker.
We are too. I said.
-SethI was exhausted, and I couldnt feel my hands or feet at all. I was lying on my
back, just trying to keep my head above water so I could breathe. I was shivering
uncontrollably, and all I wanted to do was either get rescued, or sink to the bottom
of the ocean and have Davy Jones locker be my final resting place. As I was thinking
that, my head bumped against something soft. I freaked out and turned over, only
to discover that I had bumped into sand. Excitedly, I waded up onto the shoreline. I
laid on my back on the sand, grateful to finally be able to rest. When I thought I had
enough strength, I turned over onto my stomach and got up on my hands and
knees, then tried to stand up. My knees were too weak to support my weight, so I
13

ended up crawling through the sand. Up ahead of me I could see a house made out
of bamboo and vines. Lights were on inside and I could see a woman reading a book
in a living room. I started crawling towards the house.
Remember how I said I couldnt feel my feet? Well, I cant feel my legs at all.
Getting them to move is a huge task for me, and just doing something as simple as
crawling zapped me of all my strength. I was only halfway to the house when my
arms gave out and I fell onto my face. I got back up and continued on, but I
collapsed again. Determined to get to the house, I got back up and forced myself to
keep going. I was getting closer with every passing second of crawling, and I was
starting to feel excited. I was almost to rescue, and I had never been happier. When
I finally crawled up the stairway and boosted myself up to my feet by holding onto a
chair, I was breathing hard, and my legs hurt from crawling over rocks, roots, pine
cones and needles, and other stuff on the forest floor. I eagerly knocked on the door
and waited. A moment later the woman I had seen reading a book answered the
door. She took one look at me and gasped.
Help. I wheezed.
My legs gave out, and I fell in a heap to the floor.
The lady said something, and she came out and picked me up under my arms
and brought me inside. She carried me to her kitchen, where she sat me on the
counter. She got a towel and heated it up in the dryer, then wrapped it around me.
It looks like youve had a rough go, buddy. she said. I nodded, my thoughts
turning to how I would tell mom and dad where I was. I wondered if they were still
out in the ocean in the storm.
Are you all alone?
I nodded.
Dont worry, buddy. Were going to make sure we get you back to your
parents.
Again, I nodded.
Whats your name?
Seth.
Nice to meet you, Seth. Im Ashley.
You too. Will you please call the Coast Guard to see if they picked my
parents up yet?
Of course! Are you hungry, buddy?" She asked.
I nodded. Ashley got some bread from a cupboard and made a meat and
cheese sandwich. I ate it thankfully. I made sure not to wolf it down so as not to
14

appear rude. When I finished, I slid down to the floor, surprised my legs would
actually hold my weight. I wrapped the towel tighter around me, which helped my
shivering a little bit. My soaked clothes didn't help me being cold. Ashley had gone
into another room, and when she came out and saw me standing and my teeth
chattering, she brought me into a room that was really warm.
"Come on in.
I had been lingering by the door, and I stepped into the room. The walls were
wood, and around the perimeter of the room there was a wooden bench. Steam
enveloped the entire room. The room was a sauna. The moment I stepped inside, I
was warm. I sat down on the bench and wrapped the towel around me. Ashley
closed the door and sat down across from me.
So, Seth, how did you end up on your own in the ocean? she asked.
I explained to her what had happened. When I finished, I heard thunder
rumbling outside and rain pounding on the roof. Ashley had called the coast guard
and they had said they were going to fly out and get me in a helicopter, but then
they had called back and an airman from the station in Santa Rosa said they were
not going to fly out to the island today. The hail and lighting were too much of a
concern for the pilots. They said that the weather was just too bad to try anything
tonight. Then Ashley brought the phone into me. She said someone special was on
the phone and they wanted to talk to me. I took the cordless phone and held it up to
my ear. I hoped with all my ten-year-old heart that it was mom and dad.
Hello?
Hi, Seth! Its mom and dad! How ya doin buddy?
YES! It is mom and dad! Yay!
Im finally warming up again! Im on an island right now. I really miss you
guys right now.
Were glad youre safe. We will be together tomorrow, okay? We miss you
too.
Just then the power went out and I heard a click on the phone.
Mom? Dad? Hello? Are you guys there? Mom? I said, but I got no response.
For some childish reason I couldnt control, I started to cry. I set the phone
down next to me and buried my face in my legs. Im ten! I should be tough! I
shouldnt cry over something as stupid as being away from mom and dad for a
night! Ive been away from them at summer camp for a week and I never cried!
But then again, considering what I have been going through the last few
days, I feel its alright for me to cry. It actually helped me feel better. I might be a
15

big boy, but even big boys cry sometimes. Ashley sat down next to me and put her
arm around me. She held me close to her as she whispered comforting words.
Youre gonna be okay, buddy. Well get you home soon. Youre safe with me.
I leaned against her. My eyelids grew heavy, and I closed them. I fell asleep
in Ashleys arms. Ive been awake for a long time, and I was exhausted. Ashley
picked me up and I could feel her carrying me, but I stayed asleep.

-AshleyI laid Seth on the guest bed and took off his shoes and socks, then put a
couple blankets over him and left him alone to sleep. I went back into the kitchen,
thinking. Seth had been through a lot the past couple of days. His tenth birthday
had been ruined, and now he was several miles from home. He was sad, and he was
definitely homesick. He had cried himself to sleep in my arms. I sat down and tried
to read, but I kept getting distracted by thunder and lightning outside. About a half
hour later Seth timidly padded out to me. He looked nervous. I wondered briefly if
he was scared of the thunder and lightning outside.
Um, Ashley? May I sit with you? Im scared of thunder. He asked softly, his
voice taking on a small edge of fear.
I was right. I smiled and said of course he could sit with me. He sat down and
I noticed his clothing had dried out. I wondered briefly if the bed was wet now. Ah
well, it doesnt really matter right now anyway. Seth sat down next to me and I took
his hand. I held it comfortingly. Every time thunder would explode outside, Seth
would jump about a mile and emit a small scream. I secretly found it amusing, but I
kept my laughter inside. I held his hand and comforted him. A little while later the
storm eased a little and Seth went back to bed, and I got ready for bed myself. It
was nine thirty at night, and I was exhausted.
-SethThe storm was gone and the sky was blue when I woke up. I had stayed up for
most of the night, freaking out every time there was thunder booming outside the
storm seemed to have parked itself right above us and just stormed all night long. I
16

padded out of my room and found Ashley in the kitchen. She was talking on the
phone, and from our side of the conversation, it sounded like she was talking to the
Coast Guard again. A few minutes later she hung up the phone and set it on a
charger. She saw me and smiled.
Hey buddy, the Coast Guard is on their way to get you. Youll be home in no
time, buddy. she said.
I smiled. I couldnt wait to see mom and dad again.
I guess you dont have much except for what youre wearing, right?
I nodded. Ive only got the clothes I came in.
Well, that makes for easy packing.
True.
Half an hour later there was a knock on the front door. I was in the guest
room reading Huckleberry Finn. The door to the guest room was open, and I saw
Ashley open the front door to reveal a tall slender woman wearing a navy blue shirt
and pants and black belt with a small orange life vest over the button-up shirt. The
woman also had a navy blue ball cap with the words United States Coast Guard in
gold lettering on it. She and Ashley talked for a second, then they came into my
room. I put the book back on the shelf above my bed and looked up at the woman
from the coast guard. She smiled at me.
Ready to go? She asked, her voice kind.
I nodded, feeling a little shy again.
She introduced herself as Emily, then she let me say goodbye to Ashley.
Saying goodbye was really hard. Ashley had become one of my friends, and yet she
had probably saved my life.
"How will I pay you back for saving me?"
"You don't need to pay me back. You're a very special boy. I am glad you
came here. I know the Coast Guard is going to take great care of you."
"Thank you. For everything."
"You're more than welcome. I am very glad I met you. Good luck, Seth."
We said goodbye, and hugged each other, then I followed the lady from the
Coast Guard outside to the beach where a small boat with a metal cabin was
waiting. The boat was orange and had "United States Coast Guard" written on the
side of it. Emily helped me onto the boat and gave me a life vest. I put it on, then
followed the lady into the small cabin of the boat. Inside was a young looking man
wearing the same things as his partner. His name was Rick. Emily started up the
17

three 500 horsepower engines on the back of the boat and backed away from the
beach. She turned the boat around so the front was facing the open ocean.
"Going up." Emily said. She accelerated quickly, and pretty soon we were
racing along the water at over 65 miles per hour. I held onto the railing to stop
myself from falling over.
Suddenly there was a loud explosion and a window by me shattered. I hit the
floor, covering my head with my hands to protect myself. The lady stopped the boat
and pulled a gun from her belt. The man did the same. He told me to stay on the
floor and cover my head. Suddenly something started to beep frantically.
"Big ship on port side. Looks like a wooden vessel. Do we have binoculars?"
Rick said.
She picked a pair up from the control panel and gave them to Rick. He put his
gun in his holster and looked out to the left of the boat. I sat up and looked out too.
What I saw chilled me to the bone.
It was the Flying Eagle. They were heading straight towards us. Their cannons
were out and pointed right at us. I knew they only wanted one thing.
Me.
-Emily noticed the engines were off, and she tried to restart them, but
whatever had hit us destroyed the ignition systems. We were stuck. Emily got on
the radio and called out for help, but no one answered. She got on another radio
and called for help on that one. Instantly, tons of people said they would respond.
The Flying Eagle had stopped, and two rafts were coming towards us, one on
starboard side and one on the port side. They stopped right next to our boat and
two men I recognized from my first time on that horrible ship stood up. They were
the same two men from the island.
Emily and Rick held their guns up.
"United States Coast Guard. What do you want?" Rick asked.
"We don't want to hurt you. We just want the boy. He belongs to us." The man
with the one feather on his hat said.
"He is under protective custody of the Coast Guard. He will stay with us." Rick
said authoritatively. His voice was like a rock; firm and unmovable.
"Give us the boy, and we won't harm you. If you refuse, we will kill you and
the boy."
"We are the United States Coast Guard. We order you to return to your vessel
immediately and leave the area. That is an order." Emily said, her voice just like
Rick's.
18

"We refuse."
"You have two minutes to return to your vessel, or we will attack your mother
ship and arrest anyone who lives. Your two minutes start now."
"Give us the boy. Now."
"One minute."
Just then a white and orange helicopter flew over us. They stopped and
hovered above the Flying Eagle. I saw a person with a big long gun pointed at the
boat next to us.
"Thirty seconds. We have backup here. Youre outnumbered. If you do not
return to your vessel you will be arrested and your vessel sunk. If you reach for
those swords on your belts you WILL be shot."
The man with the feather in his hat looked around. Six boats just like the one
I was on surrounded us and the Flying Eagle. There were two choppers in the air as
well.
"Fine. We will do it your way." He said.
The man said something in another language, and the two boats started to
back away. Just then the man jumped off his boat and onto our boat. He landed on
his feet and sprung away as Rick tried to grab him. The man entered the cabin and
grabbed my arm, pulling me up. He wrapped his arm around my waist and picked
me up. I cried out and kicked my legs, trying to kick the man, but he just squeezed
my waist so hard I couldn't breathe. I stopped and hung limply. I started to cry. The
man pulled his sword and put it across my neck. He walked out of the cabin and
climbed into a boat next to the Coast Guard vessel. He hung onto me as we quickly
sped back to the Flying Eagle.
I was going back on the ship.
Again.
And this time, I would be alone.
-//I should have killed you when I had the chance, you stupid, stupid child.
The man with the one feather said.
I said nothing.
Seth... Seth..., my name is Hassaen Gregorich. Youre just like my son. Youre
a brave boy. I admire that in you. If you just do what we say, youll be back at your
measly home in no time.
What do you want with me?
19

Oh, well let you and your family feud for a while. Youll come with us, see
the world.
The Coast Guard will stop you. Their already planning how to save me.
The Coast Guard is no match for me. They are like a fly on the wall. All I
have to do is get a swatter and WHACK! The fly is dead.
Youre wrong about that.
I tried to move my hands, but I discovered I was bound to the chair with ropes
around my wrists and ankles.
You cannot escape, Seth. Your er mine now.
I stopped struggling. I glared at Hassaen with what I hoped was a disgusted
look. He nodded to the other man, and the man stepped forward and hit me across
the face.
Ye do not glare at the captain on this ship, ye stupid idiot. He said.
My right cheek stung where he had hit it. Tears sprung to my eyes instantly,
but I held them back.
You will pay for this, Hassaen.
No, I do not think so.
Both men left and I continued to struggle against my bounds. My left hand
started to slip through the rope. I kept struggling, and finally it came out. I twisted
around and untied my right hand. I rubbed my wrists where the rope had dug into
them.
I bent down and tried to untie the rope holding my feet. The rope was tight.
Too tight. I kicked my shoes off and tried again to wiggle out of my bounds, but I
couldnt. I found an end of the rope, and that made untying the rope lots easier. I
started to loose feeling in my left foot. Five minutes later, I was free. I rubbed my
left foot and slowly feeling returned to it. I stood up and looked around the room.
There was a small round window that looked out at the ocean. Rain was falling in
torrents and lighting was flashing. The wall was made of wooden planks stacked up
on top of each other.
Why is the weather always thunder this time of year?! Argh!
I went over to the door and tried it. Surprisingly, it was unlocked. Smiling to
myself, I went out and found that I was in a large dark room. I quickly discovered
that it didnt matter that the door was locked. I was in the cargo hold, and there
were lots of different random items scattered around.

20

Tons and tons of treasure chests and famous paintings were scattered around
the room. I recognized one as the Mona Lisa. The chests and paintings were stacked
so high it would take me forever to climb over it all.
I looked for a way around, but I couldnt find one. I decided to try to tunnel
through the pile of stuff. I got down on my hands and knees and moved a chest out
of the way. Behind it was a small tunnel that tunneled into darkness. I crawled
forward into the tunnel, then turned around and moved the chest back into its
original space. I crawled down the tunnel into complete, cramped darkness.
Claustrophobia started to creep into my mind, and for a moment I started to
panic. Taking a couple deep breathes, I calmed myself down and continued onward.
I felt like a spy infiltrating enemy territory. I smiled to myself.
The tunnel suddenly split in two. I stopped and looked down both paths, but
all I could see were two dark tunnels. I chose the tunnel on the right. The tunnels
ceiling came down so low I had to army crawl. Crawling on my chest was
exhausting. I had to stop several times to catch my breath and to fight off
claustrophobia.
Suddenly I heard a footstep right next to me. I froze, and held still. The
footsteps moved away from the tunnel, and I continued on. Suddenly something
landed on the top of the tunnel above me, causing a painting to shutter. I froze
again, but everything was silent. I moved along to get away from the person
outside. The roof of the tunnel opened up again, and I could crawl on my hands and
knees.
I kept going.
A few moments later I hit a dead end. A chest was partially blocking my path.
Through a crack, I could see that the tunnel continued on beyond the chest. I moved
it a little bit, and a painting fell. I grabbed it and steadied it just in time. I moved the
chest out of my way, then put the painting over the top of the tunnel to re-create
the make-shift roof. Satisfied that the painting was going to hold, I continued on,
army crawling until I got around the make-shift roof. When I got past it I got back on
my hands and knees and kept going.
Suddenly a painting was taken from the roof and a hand grabbed the back of
my shirt. I was suddenly pulled out of the tunnel and twisted around. I found myself
face to face with Hassaen.
He was fuming.
Anger boiled up red hot inside me. I glared at Hassaen, not really caring that
he smacked me again. I probably deserved it, but whos really keeping score here
anyway?
I thought Slyer tied you up. How did you escape? Hassaen asked.
21

He did a terrible job. The rope was loose and easy for me to get out of. You
really should teach your cronies how to tie better knots.
Hassaen swung at me again, but this time I was ready for it. I brought my
arms up in front of my face in a defensive position, so my arms got hit instead of my
face. Hassaen dropped me and I rolled away from him. Ive taken four years of
karate, and Im a red belt, which is two below black, the highest belt level.
The only thing that is different is usually at competitions I usually fight
someone my own age, weight, and size. Not a murderous six foot seven, threehundred-pound pissed-off pirate ship captain with a sword. Hassaen drew his sword,
and, looking around desperately, I grabbed a wooden plank. Ive taken karate, but
Ive never taken fencing! He swung his sword in a downward stroke right towards
my head.
It was in that instant that I realized he didnt care if he killed me, even though
I was just a kid and he was a grown-up.
I swung the plank and actually managed to block the sudden blow from the
sword. We spared for a few minutes back and forth, neither or us hitting each other.
Swinging the plank over my head, I knocked the sword out of Hassaens hand,
sending it flying into the pile of stuff. It landed near the top.
Instantly I got into fighting position. Legs bent, left foot back, center of
gravity low, fingers curled into a fist with my thumb across my fingers. Hassaen
lashed out with his left foot, but I jumped out of the way. I kicked my left foot and it
connected with Hassaens chest. He gasped, but remained upright. He kicked his
right foot, and his boot connected with my stomach. I fell to the ground, the breath
knocked out of me.
Gasping for breath, I stood up and got back into fighting position. Breath was
slowly returning to me. I stuck my right foot out and tripped Hassaen, then jumped
on his back. I put all my weight into my knee as I landed. But right as I landed,
Hassaen rolled over and trapped me under him.
Youre fighting a ten-year-old! Youre more senseless than I thought! I
spluttered.
Have you taken jiu-jitsu or something? Youre a really good fighter!
Im a red belt in karate!
Hassaen reared up to hit me with a closed fist.
I waited until the last second, then rolled away from the iron fist. I heard the
snap as his fist connected with the wooden floor. I was still trapped under the full
weight of Hassaen, and my arms and legs were pinned to my sides. I could not
move. Hassaen balled up his fist again, and this time he didnt miss. His fist
connected with the side of my head, and instantly I lost counciness.
22

Hassaen had won.

-//I woke up and discovered I was tied to the mast of the main sail. Rain was
pouring down and the wind was howling. The sky was black, except for lighting
every couple seconds. Ocean spray hit me in the face every couple seconds. My
arms and legs were tied down. My chest against the pillar, and I realized my shirt
was missing.
Suddenly I felt an intense sting on my back. I cried out and looked back. A
man with a whip was standing behind me. His face was contorted with rage. His
arms, legs, and bare chest were bulging with muscles, and he was bald. The whip
had thousands of tiny little spikes on it that protruded from every inch of it. With a
howl of rage, the man swung the whip again, and there was nothing I could do to
get away from it. Nothing I could do to dodge the intense pain that hit me when the
whip raked across my bare skin. I cried out again, and I started to cry. I clung to my
pants as stroke after stroke hit me. Finally, the man curled up the whip and went
into the cabin. I could feel blood trickling down my back, and feel the intense pain
from each individual stroke. All I wanted to do now was curl up into a ball and die
right there on the deck.
At least that would have stopped the awful pain I was feeling.
Maybe I should kill myself.
Maybe suicide is the only answer to get out of this horrible life.
Im gonna do it.
I am going to die.
I give up.
Im ready.

-//The Coast Guard helicopter circled twice before landing on pad 3. The
chopper was referred to as a dolphin. It was small and quick, with a top speed of
about 227 miles per hour, it was used most often for these missions. The helicopter
landed and after a few minutes for cool down, the blades stopped spinning. Only
then did the doors open and two Coast Guard Airmen climb out. They carried a
stretcher between them that had a yellow tarp over it. Today they had returned
from a devastating rescue attempt.

23

Standing in the storm was a man and a woman. The man was holding the
woman's hand, and when she saw the stretcher, she screamed and collapsed to her
knees. The man bent down next to her and held her. She sobbed into his shoulder in
disbelief.
"Why my Seth? Why my little boy? No! He can't be gone! Noooooooooo!" she
cried out.
The two men with the stretcher carried it to the medical wing. A doctor came
in and examined the body, then put the tarp back over it. He was shocked to see
that the person under the tarp was so young. He went outside and found the
parents still crouched down in the rain.
"Excuse me. I'm Lieutenant Smith. I'm so sorry we have to meet under these
circumstances." He bent down in front of the man and woman.
"Your crews did all they could. Thank you for trying to rescue Seth. You did
everything you could to save him." The man said.
"I'm a doctor here at the station. I have your son's body inside. If you would
like to come in and be with him, you may."
The man and the woman stood up and followed Lieutenant Smith into the
building. A few moments later the woman's screams could be heard throughout the
small building.

-//Am I alive, or dead? I'm confused. I was enveloped in white clouds. Suddenly
a man appeared above me. I realized I was lying on my side, and I stood up to face
the man. He smiled.
He had a white beard and mustache, and white wispy hair on his head. He
looked old, sort of like a grandfather. He wore long grey flowing robes and he had a
wooden staff in his left hand.
"Seth Hansen. You died so young. Suicide, right?" The man asked, his voice
calm and kind.
I nodded.
"Such a shame."
Who are you?
An angel.
"Where am I?"
24

"You are outside Heaven. Now, you have two choices. You can stay here and
enter Heaven, or you can return back to Earth and be with your family again."
"Where am I on Earth right now?"
"Take a look."
Suddenly I could see my body with mom and dad on either side of it.
You have a big choice to make. You can stay here and come into Heaven, or
go back to Earth. It is up to you. You choose. You have your agency to choose.
I could see the pain and sadness on my parents faces, but I could also see the
happiness that staying wherever I was could bring. This choice was hard. I looked
back at moms face. She looked so sad. I had never seen her look so sad before.
But then again, I had killed myself to get away from Hassaen and Slyer and
the Flying Eagle. What if I went back and I got captured again?
No.
I have to go back.
I cant leave mom and dad there alone. Its not fair of me to do that.
"I have made my decision." I looked up into the man's face.
"What is your choice?"
"I want to go back to Earth. I can't leave my parents there without me. That's
just not fair."
"So be it."
Suddenly everything was dark. I opened my eyes, and I saw mom leaning
over me. She was stroking my hair with her hand. Her cheeks were tear-stained and
her eyes were puffy.
I moved my hand and took hold of moms hand. I squeezed it.
Mom froze.
Seth! YOURE ALIVE! OH MY LITTLE CHEETAH IS ALIVE! Moms face was pure
joy.
She pulled me off the gurney and enveloped me in a giant bear hug. I had
never felt happier to see my parents.
Later, after a full medical check-up with a Coast Guard doctor, mom and dad
were allowed to leave with me. We got a bus ticket, and started the trip back home.
The cuts on my back hurt from the whip, but thankfully the doctor had cleaned and
bandaged them with the reassurance that they would heal soon. Childrens bodies
heal quickly, and he said I would probably be healed in about two weeks or so.
25

-About halfway through the bus trip I actually dozed off. Mom poked me. I
guess shes worried about me dying again or something. I was a little annoyed with
her for waking me up, but I dozed off again easily.
I woke up about an hour later. I had a burning question for Mom.
Mom, when we get back home, can we celebrate my birthday for real?
Of course we can.
"Awesome."
I fell back asleep and didnt wake up until mom poked me at the station. I was
groggy as Dad called a cab, and I still was when one came when we got in the
backseat.
Where to, guys?
Parkside marina, please.
You got it!
The driver seemed to notice I was tired.
Long day?
Yup. Its been an interesting one, for sure.
Your son seems to have dozed off already. He must be one tired kid.
Hes exhausted.
How old is he?
Ten. Just turned Tuesday.
I remember those days. I could never sleep in the back of a car now, but
back then I could sleep in just about anything.
I dozed off, so I dont remember the rest of the conversation. I woke up when
we pulled into our driveway after getting our van from the marina. Dad had to carry
me from the cab to the van. I trooped inside and went to my room. I laid down on
my bed and looked at the ceiling.
I froze.
On the ceiling was blood red spray paint. The paint read this message: You
cant run forever, Seth. FE. I knew what the FE stood for.
Flying Eagle.
26

I stood up and went to find mom and dad. They were downstairs. I went to
the half wall by the stairway.
Mom?
Yes?
Come here! I want to show you something!
Coming!
Mom came into my room.
Look up. I pointed up at the message on the ceiling.
Mom looked up and gasped, her hand covering her mouth. She sat down on
my bed and read the message again, then went out and got dad. He came and read
the message, and he quickly got a phone. He called the cops and a few minutes
later an officer showed up at our front door. I led him upstairs to my room to show
him the message on my ceiling.
How long have you folks been gone for? The officer asked as he wrote down
the message in a notebook.
About a week and a half or so. Dad said from the door.
When did you get back? Tonight?
I nodded.
About how long ago did you discover this?
Um, about fifteen minutes ago, sir. I said.
Alright. Any idea what FE stands for?
Flying Eagle. Its a pirate ship that I was held prisoner on.
How long were you a prisoner on the ship for?
A few days, I think.
Okay. Are you afraid of someone trying to kidnap you again?
Um, I dont know. They probably think Im dead. I committed suicide on the
ship, but then I came back when I was rescued by the Coast Guard.
The officer was silent.
What has happened to you and your family?
That, sir, is a very long story. Do you have a while? Mom asked from beside
dad.
27

Sure, I guess.
I smiled.
Fifteen minutes later I was just finishing up describing how I had been
whipped and showing the officer the 30 slash marks on my back. He took pictures of
the marks, and I continued. When I got to the part about committing suicide, he
stopped me.
Why did you kill yourself?
I just wanted the nightmare to end. I had given up hope of ever being
rescued. I gave up my will to live, sir.
I believe you. Sorry for interrupting you. I was just curious.
No, thats okay. Mom says curiosity is a good thing.
Shes right. But, please continue with your story.
I picked up from where I left off. It took another fifteen minutes to recount
everything else that had happened, but I felt better now that it was all out in the
open.
Dont you worry, well get a detective to come to your house and take
pictures of your ceiling, and hell open an investigation about it. After the detective
takes his pictures, you may paint over it. Well post an officer at your house 24/7 to
make sure you folks stay safe. I suggest you call the FBI and tell them about this.
Im sure theyll ask the same questions as I did, but it would be good to have them
on your side, especially after what has happened to your son.
Well call them tonight. Thank you so much for coming by. It means a lot to
us. Mom said.
She was sitting next to me on my bed. She had her arm around me and was
holding my shoulder.
Your welcome maam. Well make sure youre all safe. You folks have a good
night.
Thanks, sir. I said.
The officer left. About a half hour later a detective showed up. He took
pictures, then said we could paint over the sign. Dad called the FBI, and they sent
an agent down that asked a lot of the same questions that the officer did. By the
time the Agent left, it was around midnight and I was exhausted. The next day we
painted over the graffiti, and everything went back to normal.
Sort of.
-Two days later28

I was upstairs playing, and I was enjoying myself. I was playing with blocks
and toy airplanes, and acting like I was the pilot of the airplane as it flew over the
city I had created. I smelled a little bit of smoke, but mom was downstairs making
lunch, so I thought she was burning the chicken nuggets again, so I didnt think
much of it. I landed the plane on my block runway, and then the smoke alarm went
off.
Mom! Turn the stupid thing off! I yelled. I went to my door and felt the
handle, but it was red-hot.
Uh-oh.
Finally, the alarm stopped, but I knew from school that I shouldnt open my
door if the handle is hot.
Suddenly, the intercom in my room switched on.
Seth! Stay in your room! Mom yelled over the PA in my room.
Whats going on?
The house is on fire. Stay in your room. The fire department is coming.
The intercom clicked off. I tried to get it to come back on, but the power was
out. I went over to the window and opened my blinds and raised them up. I opened
my window and looked out. No one was there.
Just then a fire truck came racing up the road. Lights flashing and siren
blaring. They stopped in front of our house and six firefighters got out. A second fire
truck arrived and six more firefighters jumped out. They started getting a hose
ready.
I saw mom come out of the front door. She went up to a firefighter and
started talking to him while he worked.
Just then my door flew open and a wall of flame came straight towards me. I
dropped to my stomach and hid under my bed. I couldnt breathe. It felt like all the
air had been sucked out of me. In thirty seconds I was unconscious.
-Sir, my ten-year-old son is stuck inside the house. He cant get out!
Alright. Well get him out.
George! Fred! Kasey! Suit up to go in! Theres a kid stuck in there!
Which room is he in, maam?
I pointed up at the room where Seth was playing. Hes in there.
Hes in room five! Upstairs left side!
29

Roger that, sir!

The three men suited up in full fire gear and put their masks on. They were
ready to go. The chief gave them approval to go in, and they went inside the front
door.
I took my cell phone out and called dad. He answered on the third ring.
Hey, hun.
Hey, come home right now. Our house is on fire and Seth is trapped inside. I
think Hassaen was behind this.
Dad said something that I didnt think was very appropriate, but I let it go. I
was worried about where we were going to go now that our house has burned down.
Im on my way. Ill be home in ten minutes.
Love you.
You too.
I hung up and put my phone away. I watched for any sign of Seth, but I didnt
see him. The chief stood next to me and coordinated the firefighters attack against
the fire that raged inside our house.
It seemed like forever before I saw dads car coming up the road. He parked
behind a fire truck, and got out. He came up to me and we hugged each other.
Just then a firefighter came out of the front door with Seth in his arms. Seth
was holding on to the firefighter, and they were talking to each other.
I breathed a sigh of relief.
Seth was okay.
Thats all that matters right now.
Right?
-//Hassaen Gregorich was happy. Very happy. He wanted Seth on his boat, and
he wanted him now. As the red dot moved on the screen in front of him, he was
pleased with his first mate, Slyer. Now Hassaen could tell where Seth was at any
time.
He smiled.
Seth would be his at last.
-//30

Thirty-five miles away, Seth was standing next to his parents, watching all his
possessions burn to a crisp. He held his moms hand as firefighters fought the blaze
that had enveloped the small one story house on NW 1 st street in Miami.
What are we going to do now, mom?
I dont know. I guess well stay to grandma and grandpas house while we try
to find a new house.
Am I gonna go to school next week?
School started again next week, and I was excited to see my friends again
and get back to a normal life without Hassaen trying to kidnap me every day.
Mom bent down so she was eye level with me. She took my hands in hers and
looked me straight in the eyes. I knew the answer before she even said it.
Im afraid not kiddo. We need to leave for a while until Hassaen gets
caught.
What am I going to do?
Ill sign you up for online school on Grandmas computer. You will take your
classes online, then once Hassaen is caught, you can go back to school.
But, what about Jason? Can I play with him?
Mom shook her head.
Son, were leaving for Seattle tonight. Dad said, bending down next to
Mom.
No! I dont want to go to Seattle! I want to stay here and go to school and
play with Jason!
Son, look. Hassaen is a very bad man, and hes almost caught you twice and
you almost died in the fire. I know you dont want to leave, but its the safest thing
for you right now. I know your stressed, Seth.
I guess youre right.
-//The plane touched down at Seattle-Tacoma international Airport at exactly
9:55 PM. The flight had taken off at 6:30 PM, and had been six hours long. As the
passengers wearily exited the airplane, one boy stayed especially close to his
parents. He looked around anxiously in the terminal of the Sea-Tac airport, but found
nothing that scared him. The small family went to the baggage claim and got their
stuff, then went to a McDonalds and ordered food, then sat down to eat. The father
called someone on his cell phone, then hung up. Fifteen minutes later the family
was outside in the wind and rain climbing into a small grey Honda Odyssey van. The
31

mother got in the backseat with the boy, and the father took a middle row seat. He
closed the door and the van pulled away from the curb.
The family had traveled from Florida to Seattle that night, but the State Patrol
already knew why. A Crown Vic pulled away and followed the van. A moment later
red and blue lights danced across the light-bar on the roof of the crown Vic.
The van stopped on the side of International Boulevard. The trooper stopped
behind it, angling his car so as to protect the van. The door opened and out came
the trooper.
The trooper went up to the sliding door on the left side of the van and looked
in. Inside, he saw a ten-year-old boy laying in his seat, completely zonked out. He
proceeded to the driver's door and knocked on the window. The old man who was
driving rolled down the window.
"Hello, sir. Do you have any idea why I stopped you today?"
"Um, no sir. No idea."
"I stopped you because I noticed that the boy sitting behind you isn't wearing
his seatbelt. He needs to put his seat belt on or else I will have to give you a ticket."
"Oh. Right. Sorry."
The woman sitting next to the boy shook him awake and told him to buckle
up. The boy strapped on his seatbelt. He looked out and saw the trooper standing
outside.
"I'm sorry."
"That's okay. Thanks for buckling up. You folks have a nice day."
The Trooper turned and walked back to his car. Suddenly the boy gasped.
"Mom, that's Hassaen. He followed us here!"
As the van pulled away, the boy held his mother's hand tightly. He was
gripped with fear.
The trooper was actually a pirate who had been chasing the boy for more
than a week, and now he knew what car they drove, who was with the boy, and
which direction they were headed.
Hassaen smiled to himself.
Surely this was too easy.
-//The next week went smoothly, and by Saturday morning, Seth had begun to
relax a little bit. He was still worried about Hassaen, but he hadn't seen him since
32

the traffic stop at the airport. There was a cop sitting outside their house every day
and night, and Seth had made sure the cop wasn't Hassaen. Seth laid on the couch
in the family room in the basement, his expression blank as he slept. He shifted
positions and laid still. Suddenly a large hand clasped over Seth's mouth, preventing
him from screaming. Seth awoke in a jolt, and looked into the hard eyes of Hassaen.
Hassaen was dressed in a smart looking Washington State Patrol trooper uniform
with a duty belt that had all the same gear as the troopers. There was even a gun
on his hip in a holster.
Hassaen had found Seth.
"We meet again, young Seth." Hassaen said in a low, quiet voice.
Seth froze.
Hassaen produced duct tape from a pocket and drew a strip. He tore it off and
put it over Seth's mouth like a gag. He pulled his gun from his belt, a small Glock
9mm handgun, and pointed it Seth. He uttered a command:
"Get up. Get dressed."
Seth peeled back the blankets to show that he had been sleeping in his
clothes. He didn't have any other clothes. He reached down and put on his only pair
of socks, which were beginning to really smell awful, and he put on his shoes and
tied them.
Hassaen picked him up and carried him like a mother carries a four-year-old,
but Seth was to terrified to care. Hassaen carried him to the back sliding door,
which stood open. Silently, the two slipped out into the backyard. Hassaen easily
hopped the fence, then he set Seth on his feet and cuffed his right hand to his belt
to prevent him from escaping.
"If you try to escape, Ill pop you. You'll be killed instantly."
Seth nodded his understanding. He walked with Hassaen as they went to a
waiting Washington State Patrol cruiser. Hassaen undid the cuff from his belt and
cuffed Seth's hands behind his back, then helped him into the cramped backseat of
the car. A single tear ran down Seth's face, but he remained his composure. When
Seth was settled Hassaen clipped his seat-belt, then got in the driver's seat. Seth
looked around. The car didn't look like any of the cop cars he had climbed through
at the fair back in Florida. There was a laptop, but it was open to a map with a small
red blip that blinked every second that made a beeping sound. There was a switch
that Seth guessed must turn the light-bar off and on, but other than that the car
was stripped. There wasn't even an entertainment radio or a police radio. Seth
moved, and the red blip moved with him.
"Finding you was easy, Seth. After I knocked you out on my ship, I implanted
a small tracking device just under the skin on your right arm. I have known where
you were ever since the coast guard picked your dead body off my ship. I'm not an
33

evil man, Seth. I had a son who was just like you. He was killed in an accident. When
I met you, I knew I needed you. You fill the hole that was created when my son
Aushin was killed by that stupid Marine. When I met you, I knew you were just like
Aushin. I want you to help me, Seth. Help me and I can promise you rewards beyond
your imagination. We are headed to the Flying Eagle now. I have a special place just
for you. You will be my assistant.
We are going to take over and rule the world, Seth. Think of it! Power! Prestige!
Wealth untold! It's going to be amazing! And you and I have a front row seat! Isn't
this awesome? Of course, sacrifices will have to be made, and some people may
die, but it will be worth it!"
Seth was confused. This was the man who had tried to kill him on his very
own ship, and now he wanted him to help him take over the world? What was with
this crazy pirate? Is he even a pirate, or is he a cop? What is he? Is he human, or a
freaky human-lookalike robot? I couldnt speak with the duct tape over my mouth.
All I could do was look around and try to memorize the route we were taking so I
could get back home if I managed to escape.
No. Not if, when! When I manage to escape!
I should be at school, but now Im handcuffed and sitting in the back of a fake
state patrol car with a fake trooper with a gun that he isnt afraid to use.

-//A scream shattered the early morning tranquility. Three people rushed to the
basement family room to see what the scream was about. The couch where a tenyear-old boy had been sleeping was empty, and all that remained was a little note.
The note read: We have your son. If you want him back, wait by the kitchen
phone. We will call you with our requests. Do not call the cops or the FBI. Your
house phones have been tapped. Dont try anything stupid. We will be in touch.
-FE.

The woman who had screamed held the note in her hand. The paper was
tear-stained. The womans husband knelt down next to her and put his arm around
her.
Go talk to the officer outside. See if he noticed anything. The man told the
older woman who had just arrived in the doorway.
The older woman shuffled off. Five minutes later she returned with her news.
The officer said a State Trooper came by about five this morning. He said he
was investigating a crash that had happened a few weeks ago. Said he was looking
for skid marks and stuff like that. She reported.
34

Did a crash happen here recently? The man asked.

Nope. The last crash I saw was out on Highway 18 up by Snoqualmie.
"Huh. Odd he would be investigating something that never happened."
"I don't think he's investigating anything." Mom said.
"I think your right." Grandpa said. "I think the "Trooper" broke in and
kidnapped Seth. I think there is someone posing as a Trooper to get to him. The
note only said our home phone was tapped. They didn't say our cell phones were
tapped. I am going to call the troopers and see what they have to say about this,
and I am calling the FBI. They need to know about this."
Grandpa left the room to go make the calls. He returned ten minutes later.
"The State Patrol confirmed my suspicions. They don't have a trooper by the
name of Hassaen. They said they would send a Trooper over to ask questions about
the imposter. The FBI have found Seth on a tracking device. They say Hassaen
implanted him with a tracking chip, and they have managed to hack into it. Seth is
currently on the Flying Eagle. Last they saw, they were heading out to sea. They are
planning a raid to save him. Also, the Amber Alert system has been activated for
Seth, so now everyone knows he's missing."
"Awesome. I hope they can get Seth back safely!"
Us too.
-//The FBI had been contacted about the disappearance of Seth, and they
called in the United States Marines for help. Twenty five United States Marines and
one Commander had reported to FBI headquarters in New York. Fifteen FBI Federal
Agents would also be helping out.
-Okay, guys, heres how this is going to go down. The coast guard got
some footage today and we can see that young Seth is tied to the sail mast up in
the crows nest, so if we skydive in, well be okay. I want team Alpha and Delta to
dive from a helicopter onto the deck. Teams Edward, Foxtrot, and George will also
skydive in from the other side from a helicopter.
Teams Charlie and Bravo will be out on boats out of sight in case backup is
needed. The coast guard will be in a dolphin with a guy who will rappel down and
get Seth in the chopper. If everything fails, protect Seth. Hes just a little guy, so be
kind to him. Hes only ten. He will probably freak when he sees you both with sniper
rifles. Let him know you arent there to hurt him.

35

Davis! I want you and Smith to climb up to the crows nest and stay with
Seth to protect him until the Coast Guard can rescue him. I dont care what you hear
down below, your orders are to stay with and protect Seth, understood?
Yes, sir! A man and woman said.
Good. Everyone understand the plan?
Yes, sir!
The bald, serious looking Marine Sergeant looked over everyone one by one.
Im glad. Get some rest and freshen up. We blow this Popsicle stick at 0050
hours. Bring your water and assault gear. This could get ugly. Those that are
skydiving, bring your flight gear. I want everyone ready by 2305 hours, got it?
Yes, sir!
Dismissed!
-//Okay, this sucks! Ive been tied to this stupid mast way up high for who
knows how long, and its pouring down rain. Im soaked to the bone, and Im cold. I
cant feel my fingers, or my toes. The only thing that is keeping me upright is the
ropes binding me to the sail post. My hair was plastered to my skull, and I keep
having to blink so I can clear my eyes of rain.
I am terrified of heights. And, add the fact that lightning is starting to flash, I
am really getting apprehensive. I have tried to wiggle my way free, but I was stuck.
Hassaen tied the ropes himself to make sure I couldnt escape.
Just then I saw black figures swoop past me. Confused, I looked around. More
figures swooped past me. The landed on the deck almost silently. At once two
figures wearing all black began to climb up to me. I panicked and tried to wiggle
free, but the rope held firm. I screamed, but it was muffled and no one could hear
me if they wanted to. The two figures were almost to me. I could see long guns on
their chests, and that made me freak out even more. I started to cry, and the sobs
racked my freezing body. Just then the trapdoor opened and the two figures boosted
themselves up into the crows nest.
I am ready to die. This time I will stay in heaven. Its safer for me anyway. The
two figures sat down next to me, and one pulled a knife from a hidden pocket. The
figure opened it, and came towards me with it.
Extreme fear boiled up in me, and it must have showed on my face. The
figure held up his hands as if it was surrendering. She set the knife down and pulled
a mask off. Under it was a young woman with beautiful blonde hair and soft blue
eyes.
36

Hey, its okay. Were with the Marine Corps. Were not going to hurt you.
Were here to rescue you! She said. Her voice was serious sounding, and yet it was
soft at the same time.
Im going to cut you free of the ropes, okay?
I nodded.
She picked up the knife and first cut the ropes binding my arms to my sides,
then she cut my legs free. But Hassaen had made sure I wouldnt escape. Not only
had he tied my legs and arms, he had also tied my ankles and wrists to the mast.
Twice. The woman cut my ankles free, then he tried to decide how to cut my wrists
free. She couldnt really do it without risking cutting me. She decided to just be
extra careful. She slipped the knife into the knot on my right wrist, and slowly he
began to cut the rope. The knife took a long time to cut through the rope, and by
the time the rope came off, I had markings on the top of my wrist from the knife.
The woman started to cut my left wrist free, but she had more difficulty, and she
ended up accidentally cutting me twice. The pain was awful, and I held the mans
hand for comfort.
Im sorry, buddy. That was totally my fault. Im sorry.
The knife finally cut through the rope, and I held my wrist where blood was
trickling out. The man who I was holding hands with produced a small first aid kid
and he bandaged my wrist. That helped me feel a little better.
Hassaen had kept the duct tape over my mouth, and he tied it down with
more rope. I could only breathe through my nose. The woman cut the rope off my
mouth and took hold of the duct tape. The other man took my hand and squeezed it
gently.
This might hurt a little bit. Ill do it quickly so it wont hurt as bad. Lets count
to three together.
She held up three fingers, and I held up three fingers. Together we counted
down to one. On one I squeezed the mans hand tightly as the woman ripped the
duct tape off. The pain was intense, and my face stung, but only for a couple
seconds. The worst part was when the tape wouldnt come off m left cheek. The
lady ended up having to cut the tape off, then rip what was left off, and that hurt.
But now I can talk and breathe easier, so thats a positive at least.
The woman closed the knife and put it back in a pocket.
Whats your name, buddy? The man asked.
Seth.
Nice to meet you Seth. My name is Nathan. This is Janet. Were Federal
Agents with the FBI.
37

We all sat down, and it felt great. My legs and feet were exhausted from
standing for so long in one place. I sat down and pulled my legs up to my chest,
looping my arms around my legs to keep warm.
Are you guys here to rescue me?
Yes. The coast guard is coming to pick you up in a helicopter. Have you ever
flown in a helicopter before?
I shook my head.
Theyre pretty fun. We flew here in a helicopter, actually. Youll love it.
Nathan said. Oh, hang on.
Go ahead, sir. He said, touching his left ear with his hand.
He waited for a second.
Yes sir, were okay. Were up with Seth. He was pretty tied up, but Janet took
care of that. Were up in the crows nest. Seth is talkative and happy. Any ETA
estimate on Coast Guard?
Silence for a second.
Okay. Roger that, sir. Nathan out.
Geez, coasties. Coast Guard is twenty-five minutes out. Apparently they had
some mechanical problems. Now theyre coming in a slower chopper. Why dont we
just put him on Skyhawk 3 and let him sit it out up there? At last that way hes out
of the rain.
Id call them. Janet said.
Just then the trapdoor opened and Hassaen climbed through. He pulled
himself up and kicked the trapdoor closed below him.
Youre not going anywhere!
David1, Skyhawk 3.
Fly down to the crows nest double time! Were going to have Seth sit with
you until Coast Guard gets here. Dont worry, hell behave himself.
Nathan looked up at me and smiled. I smiled and nodded to let him know I
would.
Yes, sir. David 4 and I will be with him.
Silence.
Roger. Thanks.

38

Okay. Skyhawk 3 is coming to get us. Its a big helicopter. It can easily fit ten
people. It has two big blades on the top.
Just then a there was a rush of wind and rain flew all around us. A bright
spotlight shined down on us and I heard yelling. A ladder was thrown down to us
and Nathan went up it first, then it was my turn.
Man, if I thought the crows nest was a scary height, then it was nothing
compared to the ladder. About halfway up I made the mistake of looking down. The
ocean seemed like it was a mile away. I froze and started to cry. Janet came up
below me and got on the other side of the ladder. She climbed up until her and I
were face to face.
Are you afraid of heights?
I nodded, completely petrified.
Want to know a secret?
I nodded, curious as to what the secret could be.
I am deathly afraid of heights too. Even going up an elevator terrifies me!
I laughed. Really?
Janet nodded. Really.
Lets climb together. Will you climb with me?
Of course! Just climb up one step at a time.
I looked up and saw a man lying on his stomach, watching me. He had his
hand out. I was almost high enough to reach out and grab it. I climbed up even
higher, and finally the man took my hand. He held it firmly, ensuring I wasnt going
to slip. I continued to climb. I was almost to the top.
Suddenly the helicopter banked hard left and turned, and I flew through the
air, out over black, raging ocean. I held on to the ladder with one hand and the
mans hand with my other.
Hang on tight! he yelled.
Something hit the side of the helicopter just inches from where I was
standing. Suddenly the whole side of the helicopter was being peppered with
bullets. The man pulled me up into the helicopter, the he helped Janet get in. when
we were all in, he shut the door and the helicopter flew away from the Flying Eagle,
away from danger, and away from my kidnappers.
David1, Alpha0. Janet said, again touching her left ear with her hand.
Were out of danger. On Skyhawk3 with Seth.
39

Are you okay, Seth? Nathan asked.

I felt a slight ache in my lower back. I lifted up my shirt to reveal blood
pouring from a wound right by where my left kidney is.
Ah man! Moms not gonna be happy when she sees I ruined this brand new
shirt! I said, more worried about mom than the fact I had been shot.
Nathan had me lay down on the floor and he got some bandages and covered
the wound, which helped stop the blood from spewing out.
"Go ahead." Janet was talking on her two-way.
"Yes, sir. We're in Skyhawk 3. Seth was hit, but it looks like it was just a graze.
He's okay. Want us to head back to Seattle?"
"Okay, sir. Will do, sir. Janet out."
"We are heading back to Seattle. Your parents are there waiting for you.
They're anxious to see you!"
-//Thirty minutes later the helicopter touched down on a helipad at Coast Guard
Station Seattle. I got up and followed Nathan and Janet into the building adjacent to
the helipad once the blades stopped spinning. Inside a small office were two people
I was very, very excited to see.
Mom and Dad.
I broke free of Nathan's grasp and ran towards mom. She stood up and we
embraced each other. I was super-duper excited to be with my parents again.
We waited for the sergeant. About five minutes later he came in.
"Welcome to Seattle. I am Sergeant Greg Overa. I am glad you made it back
safely, Seth. I'm glad you're okay.
Thank you, sir. I am too.
The FBI and a couple police agencies are anxious get their hands on you for
an interview. They were literally fighting on the phone as to who gets to talk to you
first.
I giggled. Greg smiled.
Anyway, I thought you might want to spend some time with your family first
before all that. You will be returning home with your parents to Florida tomorrow.
Thank you, sir. Oh, what about Hassaen? Is he still trying to find me?
Greg smiled again.
40

The FBI arrested him and his whole crew. You dont have to worry about him
again. You are free, Seth.
Im free.
Freedom had never felt so good.
-//A few days later, dad and Seth were down at the marina. The Navy
had found their sailboat, and now they were towing it back. Its was dad and Seths
job to see if the boat was salvageable or if it should be destroyed. Once the boat
was all tied up to the dock, the boys, both who were wearing life jackets, got on
board. They checked the deck, mast, hull, and sails, all of which seemed to be in
working order. Mom was at a PTA meeting at the school.
Seth went to his room to check on his stuff. Everything was just like he had
left it. He went back out and found dad putting the pots and pans back into their
respective cupboards. He knelt down and helped him.
My cabin is dry.
Oh good. Thats good to hear. Dad replied with a smile as he put a frying
pan into a cupboard with other pans.
Is yours dry as well?
Yep! It sure is.
The duo spent the rest of the day cleaning and packing up their stuff. They
took their suitcases out and put them in the van. Finally, Seth helped dad as he put
special locks on the cupboards that could only be unlocked by a magnet to prevent
them from spilling their contents again during a storm. Now that they were secure,
the two vacuumed, cleaned, and prepped the ship for their next voyage. By the
time they finished, it was six thirty in the evening, and both Seth and dad were
exhausted. They secured the cabin and tightened the ropes tethering the vessel to
the dock, then they got in the van. Dad wanted to reward Seth for working so hard
and diligently all day long, so he surprised him with a stop for ice cream on the way
home.
-One Year LaterFive eleven-year-old boys sat in a circle in the backyard of a house. Today was
Seth's eleventh birthday party. The boys were eating cake and laughing and joking.
So far the day had been flawless. They had played party games, eaten pizza, played
Frisbee, and now they were having cake and ice cream. Next on the agenda was
presents, then the boys were free to play until their parents came and got them.
The time was 1:30 in the afternoon. A small black sedan pulled into the
driveway of the house. Out stepped a completely bald man and a woman with long
41

blonde wispy hair. Both were in FBI uniforms. Seths mother knew the couple were
coming, but Seth and his friends didnt. The two people were Federal Agents with
the FBI. They were about to pay a very special visit to a very special young man.
The two people had been the two agents who had rescued young Seth from the
disastrous Flying Eagle pirate ship. They went up to the front door and knocked.
Seths mother answered, and she graciously invited the two into her home. She led
them to the kitchen by the back sliding door and they waited by the kitchen table.
Boys! Come here please! Seths mom called out.
The boys stood up and went inside. When Seth came in, Nathan and Janet
greeted him. Seth smiled and greeted them in return.
How ya doin, buddy? Nathan asked.
Great!
Were glad youre happy. Did you know we were coming? asked Janet.
Nope! Not at all! You surprised me!
Nathan and Janet laughed.
How old are you now, Seth? asked Nathan.
Eleven. I feel so old!
Youre making me feel old!
I smiled and laughed.
Guys, this is Janet and Nathan. Their spies with the FBI!
Nathan smiled. I dont know about that! How do you know?
Duh! Youre a federal agent! Of course youre a spy!
The other boys chuckled.
Who are your friends?
This is Christopher, Ben, Gillian, and Tucker. Seth pointed to each boy as he
said their names.
Hi, boys. Good to meet you. Janet and Nathan shook hands with the boys.
Seaside, Seths dog, wandered in. Nathan petted her soft golden fur.
Seasides tail wagged enthusiastically. They talked for a little while longer, then
Janet and Nathan had to leave to go do something at with the FBI. Seth couldnt
resist giving them a hard time.
Are you both going to be a spy again?
42

We can neither confirm nor deny that. Oh! Come outside for a second. I
almost forgot our gift to you.
Everyone followed the two agents out to their car. Nathan opened the trunk
to reveal a small wrapped package. He gave it to Seth, and his mother said he could
open it. He opened it and found a box taped shut. Nathan cut the tape with a knife,
and Seth opened the box. Inside there were four of the newest, hottest, coolest
video games that had just come out. Surprised, Seth smiled.
Thanks, guys! He said, looking up at Nathan and Janet with a smile on his
face.
Do you like them?
Yes! Therere awesome! Thank you very much!
Your welcome, Seth. Janet said.
Thanks for letting us drop in, Mrs. Ankara.
No problem. Im glad you both could come. I know Seth probably owes his
life to you both.
Janet and Nathan said goodbye and climbed into their car. They backed out
and turned onto the road. They honked twice, and flashed blue police lights that
Seth hadnt seen before. Seth and his buddies waved. Then the car turned the
corner and was gone.
Alright. Who wants to go play X-Box? Mom asked, even though she already
knew the answer.
Me! Five kids chirped.
Alright. Come inside boys.
Seth turned and went inside with his buddies. They went off and played X-Box
Kinect.
One more flawless birthday party checked off. It was way better than last
year. That was certain. As mom watched Gillian try to work his way through the
Wipeout video game course, she smiled to herself. This was how a birthday was
supposed to be like. No one should have to fight their life on their birthday. A
birthday was supposed to be a happy day with friends and family close together.
This was the perfect birthday for Seth.

The end.

43