John was a bit frustrated when he set down the manual after re-reading
it for the third time. There was a web address for more info, but he
didn't feel like dealing with the broadband modem issue right now.
The broadband modem and router were down in the family room, and
John's dad and his poker buddies were in there playing poker and
watching golf. He glanced up at the fluorescent energy saving bulb in
his bedroom ceiling fixture. His father was on an energy saving bent,
and John had been all for it. Especially, since it meant that his
father kept the broadband modem off except when it was needed, which
really cut into Ocean's late night websurfing. Ocean had to go
downstairs twice if wanted to surf the net. Once to turn it on, and
once to turn it off, because there'd be hell to pay if it was left on
overnight.
He looked at the steamy terrarium and his new pet. He frowned. He
doubted if he could put a good spin on this to his folks. He grabbed
his butterfly net and a jar with holes in the lid. He patted the top
of the terrarium and said, "See you later, bro. I'm going to catch you
some grub. Hm, I bet you'd like grubs, better take a shovel too."
Ocean was lost in the miracle of the tiny microcosm growing around
him. He could swear that he was hearing a soft music emanating from
the magic stone at the center of the garden. He moaned in ecstasy as
his right arm emerged from his slick slimy skin. His left arm seemed
to be having more trouble getting out. Ocean found himself swimming
in a tight circle. He used his growing powerful legs to leap out of
the pond and up on top of the gravel. He gulped the air. He was
breathing air again. The jungle had grown dense and lush. He heard the
tapping on the lid of the terrarium and the thunderous voice of his
brother. The dense condensation clouded the plastic making the outside
world vague and shadowy.
The shadow passed, and Ocean forgot about John, and went to explore
the new amazing world growing all around him.