Oona was a young orca.

She swam close to Mama.

The water was calm and blue.

Soft kelp waved like green ribbons.

Tiny bubbles tickled Oona’s nose.

Oona looked up and down.

“Hello, big world,” she said.

Mama made a low, warm sound.

Oona made it too: “Ooo-oo!”

The sound went out and back.

It felt like a hug in water.

Oona smiled with her whole face.

She wanted to see more.

But then a shadow moved.

It was not Mama.

Oona’s heart went thump-thump.

She swam a little away.

Kelp brushed her fin.

The world felt huge.

Oona felt small.

A smooth head appeared nearby.

A sea turtle blinked slowly.

“Hi,” said the turtle.

“I am Tali.”

Oona hid behind Mama.

Mama stayed close and still.

Tali smiled with gentle eyes.

“I can help you look,” said Tali.

“Stay near Mama,” Mama said.

Oona nodded. “Near Mama.”

She looked at the bright water.

She wanted to try one thing.

“Let’s find shiny fish,” Oona said.

Tali flapped her flippers.

“Follow me, little orca.”

Oona swam after Tali.

Mama swam behind Oona.

They went past tall kelp.

They went past round rocks.

Sunlight fell in long stripes.

Silver fish flashed like coins.

Oona gasped. “So shiny!”

She tried a big splash.

Fish scattered in quick lines.

Oona chased. “Wait, fish!”

Her tail went swish-swish-swish.

The fish went into the kelp.