“There’s an excursion to the ancient underwater caves tomorrow,” announced Luke, Delma’s science teacher. “These underwater caves are very narrow and intricate and there are some old drawings on the walls which have survived underwater for many, many years.”

Delma and her class were listening expectantly, “It will be an interesting experience to observe these drawings. We will come back and share our experience in the form of an oral report. This will be included in your exams so please make sure you are keenly observing everything,” Luke explained.

“Where are these caves? Are these the same caves I live in?” asked Delma. Delma’s home was also in one of the large underwater caves of the lake.

“No, these are on the Northern end of this lake and are very ancient. Perhaps these are the oldest in D’Land,” Luke answered.

The class was squirming with excitement. “I’ve heard you need special permission from the elder fish to enter these caves,” shared Sally the salmon.

“That’s right, students,” smiled Luke. “Our principal, Asin the alligator, had to request Olly the octopus and all the elder fish for permission and they have consented to let us go into the caves for educational purposes. So we must avail this fantastic opportunity.”

“That’s incredible!” exclaimed the trio of jellyfish.

The next day was a Saturday and Delma and her classmates set off towards their destination, following Luke the lake trout. The cool, winter breeze was refreshing and by midmorning the group had reached the Northern end of the lake.

“Look, you can see the Northern Mountains from here!” exclaimed Caitlin the catfish.

“Yes this is the northern-most part of the lake; the river and glaciers flow down the Northern Mountains into this lake,” explained Luke. “Now let us hunt for the ancient caves. This is my first time in this vicinity as well.”

The caves were not hard to find. It was a narrow maze of tunnels under the water. But Delma was dismayed to see them. “These are too narrow for me to enter into,” the dolphin whispered to her teacher.

Luke inspected the opening leading into the caves, “Yes, I’m afraid you won’t be able to join us, Delma. I’m so sorry. I had no idea the opening was so narrow.”

Delma had never been conscious about her size. She was the biggest aquatic creature in D’Land and her size had helped her gain the name of ‘the lake protector’. But today, her cheeks burned with embarrassment. She felt huge and awkward. At a loss for words, she watched the other fish swim inside the cave’s narrow opening. Delma grew agitated waiting for the others to return. “Maybe there is another wider opening,” she mused. Swimming around the area a couple of times confirmed that the other openings were also confined.

One particular entrance seemed wider than the rest. “Let me try getting in,” she thought. Bracing herself she tried to enter the cranny but the middle of her body got stuck.

“Oh dear,” Delma gasped as she felt the rock of the cave scratch her thick outer skin. Wriggling, she tried to loosen the tight grip of the rock but that only resulted in her abdomen area getting stuck even more.

Tears flowed down her cheeks; from pain and embarrassment. She didn’t want to yell for help; she didn’t want her friends to see her like this. Yet, she knew she had no choice. Delma, who always came to the rescue of others, was stuck.

“Help,” she let out a feeble cry. But her voice echoed loudly through the interior of the cave. Instantly, following the sound of her distressed voice, all the fish swam to her rapidly. Luke let out an exclamation of alarm. “What happened, Delma?” the teacher asked.

“I…I was trying to get inside to…to see the cave paintings,” Delma stammered weakly.

“It’s okay, Delma,” replied Luke, understanding Delma’s embarrassment. “We will get you out.”

All her aquatic classmates tried to push her but they were all too small in comparison. Delma’s body wouldn’t budge.

“I think we will have to break part of the cave entrance,” suggested Sally the salmon. The others nodded.

“But…but this is a historic and ancient site. I don’t want it to be damaged because of me,” Delma protested. She felt so wretched that she wanted the ground to swallow her up so she could disappear and not have to face her friends in this hopeless situation.

“Your freedom is more important than this site,” Luke said decisively. “Come on, students. Let’s find some rocks to break one side of the cave entrance. Even if we can hack away a few inches, Delma can be free.”

The fish immediately grabbed any rock from the cave floor and followed Luke’s instructions. Strategically, they started knocking away the cave wall. Delma winced as the hacking and drilling grazed her skin.

Suddenly, she felt her abdomen become looser. “I can move!” she gasped. With one last wriggle she maneuvered her way and reversed out of the cave.

“Oh my goodness! Thank the heavens that you are safe,” exclaimed the jellyfish, Flim, Ham and Foam. All her classmates crowded around her, hugged her, wishing her well. Luke was nearly in tears himself. “You were so brave, Delma!” he said. “I could have never forgiven myself if something happened to you.”

Delma was overwhelmed by all this love and attention. Her shame and embarrassment melted into gratitude and affection.

“Thank you all! You saved me! I am so lucky to have friends like you!” she whispered gratefully.

“Your skin is bleeding, there are many scratches on your body,” Caitlin observed in concern. “Let’s get you back home and give you some ointment.”

It was a solemn group that returned to the Aquatic School. Luke crushed some primroses and rubbed them on Delma’s injuries. “Here, chew on some lavender flowers and it will help you relax and sleep. I will accompany you to your cave.”

Olly and his wife, Olenda, who were Delma’s neighbours were distraught when they heard about Delma’s narrow escape. “Please have this seaweed stew I have made, Delma,” Olenda insisted. “You can’t sleep on an empty stomach.” They both fussed over the dolphin until she was comfortable.

Later that evening, when Delma was nearly asleep, she said a special prayer of gratitude for all the creatures who loved her.

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