Finding Happiness

A Thanksgiving Delight

Again, I wanted to get this story finished, so I know it's the middle of summer.

It was the day before Thanksgiving Day and Ariel helped her mother cook a table full of food for the holiday.

They have only made turkey, cranberries, homemade pumpkin pie, gravy and chocolate pudding.

It wasn't until Ms. Hara noticed that Dave was sulking.

She knew what was wrong because Ariel had told her about what was happening and Dave might not live to see Christmas.

Then, Ms. Hara had an idea.

"Dave, would you come out here?" she asked gently.

Hearing this, Dave nervously climbed out of the bucket of water and crawled into the kitchen.

"Could you please help us by pealing the potatoes and while that's on the stove, could you help Ariel make the gravy?"

Since Ms. Hara couldn't hear Dave like Ariel does, so he nodded and immediately started to wash four of his tentacles.

I can't believe Abigail wants me to help Dave thought to himself.

And at instant, Dave used two of his clean tentacles to hold the potatoes and the other two to peel the skin in the trash before he placed them on the stove.

Eventually, Dave and Ariel had to work hard since Ms. Hara's arms ached.

"What a good boy" smiled Ms. Hara, petting Dave's head.

After taking the pumpkin pie out of the oven and mixing the potatoes, Ariel helped Dave make the gravy, homemade style.

"Ariel, could you please pour some milk?" Dave asked. "The gravy looks too thick."

"Sure" Ariel replied.

As they continued to work hard and then finally, Ariel spoke.

"You're a good cook" she said.

"Oh, I normally let my henchmen cook, either it was on Thanksgiving or just a regular party gathering" answered Dave. "But I never thought your mom wanted me to help."

"Yeah, Mom is a great cook. Not that you are not, you're really doing great."

"I understand, Ariel, dearest."

The two smiled warmly at each other.

"So, what are you thankful for?" asked Ariel.

Dave wasn't sure how to answer Ariel.

For years, his three hearts was filled with hatred and revenge on all penguin kind (mostly on Skipper and his brothers). But he didn't want to hurt Ariel or her feelings.

"You know, Ariel" he finally said. "All I can say is no matter what happens, I'm thankful that you found me in the snow globe."

Ariel was surprised, but she felt happy to hear that come out of Dave.

Dave reached a tentacle and hugged Ariel.

Ms. Hara watched from the doorway of the kitchen and smiled warmly.

The next morning was Thanksgiving Day.

Ariel and her mother woke up and greeted each other a Happy Thanksgiving and woke up Dave.

"Rise and shine, Dave!" shouted Ariel excitedly.

"Huh? What time is it?" asked Dave.

"It's Thanksgiving! It's Thanksgiving!"