A Walk in the Mangroves

Abby didn't want to wear the silly rain cap with red hearts. She threw it across the street, and it disappeared into a gutter. Her mom sighed, knowing they’d be soaked in the rain soon. Abby felt annoyed but didn't think much of it. The heavy rains of Singapore were just another part of her day.

The next day, Abby's class was going on a field trip to the mangroves. She was excited but also a bit worried about what she might see. Her teacher, Miss Ingot, told the class they’d learn about plants and animals there. Abby wondered if it would be as boring as it sounded. But she loved adventures, so she was ready to find out.

The class met Robert, a volunteer from the Singapore Environment Council, who would guide them. He asked if they had questions, and Abby nervously asked about snakes. Robert assured her they were unlikely to see any snakes. The class started their journey, eager to explore the mysterious mangroves.

As they walked, Abby noticed all sorts of strange plants and animals. The wooden path was slippery with green slime, making it tricky to walk on. Robert pointed out a tree with fruit that looked like mangoes, but they were poisonous. Abby listened carefully, amazed by how different everything was. She was learning so much.

The class spotted a mud lobster mound, and Robert explained its importance. Abby was fascinated by the little creatures living in the mud. But soon, she started noticing trash everywhere. Soda cans, plastic wrappers, and bottles were scattered around. Abby felt uneasy seeing so much litter in such a special place.

Abby was startled when she saw movement on a tree. She hoped it wasn't a snake, but it was just a harmless skink. Robert explained how skinks help by eating bugs. Abby was relieved and found the little creature quite cute. She liked learning about how everything in the mangroves played a part.

The shoreline was shocking, covered in piles of trash. Abby and her classmates began picking it up, trying to make a difference. As they worked, they joked about the odd things they found. But Abby couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt. She wondered how much of this mess was a result of actions like hers.

Abby found a rain cap with red hearts buried in the sand. Inside was a tiny, lifeless mudskipper, trapped and unable to escape. Abby's heart sank as she realized the cap was hers. She felt a deep shame and regret for her carelessness. She didn't know if she could ever make it right.

Robert reassured Abby that everyone makes mistakes. He explained how little actions can add up to big problems but also to big solutions. Abby felt a spark of determination. She realized she could help prevent more harm by being responsible. She was ready to be wiser and work harder for the mangroves.

Abby and her classmates collected more bags of trash than they set out to. She felt proud and hopeful. Abby knew she couldn’t undo the past, but she could make better choices. As they left the mangroves, she promised herself to be wiser. Abby was ready to protect the world she loved.