The Secret of Pelican Cove

Nine-year-old Sam lived in a quiet seaside town where the sea breeze ruffled his hair each morning. Each day after school, he would race down to the sandy shore to watch the waves and explore the tide pools. One breezy afternoon, as the sun shimmered on the ocean’s surface, Sam spotted something unusual washed up on the sand: a small glass bottle with a piece of paper inside!

Fascinated, Sam carefully pulled out the paper. It was yellowed, and the words were faded, but he could just barely read:

If you find this note, search under the old pier at low tide. There is a secret in Pelican Cove, waiting to be discovered. — R.W.

Sam’s heart thumped with excitement. Pelican Cove was around the rocky bend of the shoreline, known for its sharp cliffs and the ancient wooden pier that jutted out over the water. He’d always wanted to explore there but never quite worked up the courage—until now.

The next day, Sam rose at dawn. Low tide would be early, so he hurried down to the beach. He reached Pelican Cove just as the water was rolling gently away from the shore, uncovering mossy rocks. Sea gulls circled overhead. The old pier, worn by time and saltwater, creaked as he walked beneath it. His sneakers left footprints in the wet sand.

He nearly gave up when, suddenly, something caught his eye—a small wooden sign, partially hidden by seaweed. Sam knelt down and brushed off the clinging seaweed to reveal the faded letters: “Look behind the driftwood.”

Puzzled, he scanned the area. Beyond the pier, heaps of driftwood lay in a tangled mess. Picking his way through, Sam pushed aside a large branch and gasped. There, he found a tiny entrance to a hidden cove! It was half-concealed by a rocky overhang, so it didn’t look like a regular cave at all.

At first, Sam hesitated. It seemed a little dark inside, and he could hear distant drops of water echoing. But curiosity spurred him on. He switched on the small flashlight he always kept in his backpack (ever the prepared explorer!) and ventured inside.

The cave walls were smooth, carved by years of crashing waves. Sea anemones clung to the rocks, swaying gently in shallow pools. The salty air felt both cool and refreshing. Carefully stepping forward, Sam noticed an engraved stone tucked among the rocks. He brushed the sand away to reveal a single word:

“Refuge”

Tucked next to the engraved stone was a small notebook wrapped in a piece of oilcloth to keep it dry. Inside the notebook, Sam found sketches of sea creatures, notes about changing tides, and a message:

This cove is a haven for all who respect it. May it remain a hidden shelter for the curious and kind-hearted. — R.W.

The note reminded Sam of the ocean’s beauty and how important it was to protect it. Feeling a surge of pride, he carefully returned the notebook to its hiding spot. He decided not to disturb anything further—this place was meant to stay a secret refuge for the birds, sea life, and anyone lucky enough to find it.

As the tide began to creep back in, Sam made his way outside, squinting at the bright sunshine. He watched the waves gently wash over the mouth of the hidden cove, concealing it once again.

That night, snug in his bed, Sam drifted off to sleep thinking about the secret of Pelican Cove. He felt connected to someone from long ago who loved and cherished the sea just as much as he did. And he promised himself that he would continue to care for its wonders—just as the note asked him to.