Each step brings new discoveries, and I’m immediately captivated by the miniature worlds contained in each pool. The water in these natural aquariums is crystal clear, allowing me to peer into their depths.
Tiny silver fish, no longer than my pinky finger, dart around in frantic circles, trapped by the low tide in their temporary prisons. Their scales catch the sunlight, creating fleeting flashes of brilliance. Starfish in an array of colors – deep purples, bright oranges, and mottled reds– cling to the rocks, their arms stretched out languidly as if basking in the sun’s warmth.
Levi points out sea urchins nestled in crevices, their spines moving gently in the shallow water like an underwater forest swaying in a breeze.
The air is cool against my skin, but I barely notice. I am too engrossed in the vibrant life teeming in these small pockets of water.
I glance at Levi, watching how naturally he moves across the jagged rocks, his face lit with quiet joy. He’s so clearly in his element here, pointing out tiny wonders in each pool with the enthusiasm of someone who never tires of the ocean’s secrets. As I carefully make my way from pool to pool, I feel caught between watching the sea life and watching him – the way he seems to come alive here, as much a part of this coast as the tide itself.
As I lean in to get a closer look at a particularly vibrant starfish, Levi suddenly gets excited. “Oh, look!” he exclaims. “You’re going to like this. Wait here and let me see if I can catch it.”
He wades into one of the larger tide pools, the water reaching just above his knees. Slowly, he lowers his hand into the water, swishing it gently back and forth while making a soft clicking noise with his tongue against his teeth.
After a moment, he straightens up with a triumphant grin, carefully wading back to where I stand. In his open palm is a small octopus, its tentacles curling around his fingers.
The tiny creature immediately makes me think of the kraken although this octopus is barely the size of Levi’s hand. I can’t help but marvel at how it moves – its tentacles curling with the same fluid grace I remember from my rescue.
“Oh, it’s beautiful,” I coo, leaning in for a closer look.
Levi beams, clearly pleased by my reaction. “Octopuses are fascinating creatures,” he says, launching into an impromptu lecture. “Did you know they have three hearts and blue blood? And they’re incredibly intelligent – they can solve puzzles and even use tools.”
“How big can they get?” I ask, watching the small creature’s tentacles curl around his fingers.
“The Giant Pacific Octopus can grow up to 16 feet across and weigh up to 110 pounds, but most of the ones around here are much smaller.”
Well then – not an octopus. The creature that saved me yesterday was possibly bigger than myhouseboat.
I listen, fascinated, as Levi continues to share facts about octopuses. The whole time, the tiny creature explores his hand, its tentacles probing curiously.
“Would you like to hold it?” Levi offers.
My heart leaps at the opportunity. “Yes, please!”
Carefully, Levi transfers the octopus to my outstretched hands. Its tentacles are cool and slightly slimy but not unpleasant. I can feel the gentle suction of its suckers as it investigates my skin.
As I stand there, marveling at this tiny wonder, I can’t help but think of its larger counterpart somewhere out in the open sea.
CHAPTER 14
Levi
Iwatch Rose cradle the small octopus in her hands, her eyes wide with wonder. The creature’s tentacles curl around her fingers, exploring this new territory. My tongue feels stuck to the roof of my mouth, and I can’t seem to find words.
Most people get squeamish around octopuses. They find the creatures creepy and slimy. But not Rose. She’s cooing over it like it’s the most precious thing she’s ever seen. It makes me wonder… could she accept my other kraken half?
The thought sends a shiver down my spine. It’s ridiculous, of course. I’ve known her for less than a week. But there’s something about her openness, her easy acceptance of the strange and unusual, that makes me hope.
“We should probably return it to the pool,” I suggest after a few minutes, reluctantly breaking the spell.
Rose looks up at me, her eyes still shining with excitement. “Can I do it?”
“Of course,” I reply, smiling.
I help Rose into the tide pool, keeping one hand on her elbow as she leans over to release the octopus. The water laps at our legs, cool despite the mild spring weather.
Rose giggles as the octopus wraps around her finger, seemingly reluctant to let go. “I think it likes me,” she says, her voice filled with delight.
I give a single click of my tongue, telling the creature to move on. It’s not exactly communication – my kraken people have an affinity for octopuses, but we can’t truly talk to them. Still, I can usually get my point across.
