Chapter 22 – The Pride of Harbor Shores

Even though it's been many months since the Kraken made her exit from Harbor Shores, the people in the community have not forgotten its hero. A special unveiling is held in the middle of the square. The park area populated with people enjoying the nice sunny spring day. Dogs barking as one owner after another meander all over the grassy area.

In the center of the square, a band plays on the gazebo. As the twang of the guitar competes with the crashing waves, spectators dance to the nostalgic tunes. Interrupting the music is the familiar sounds of seals fighting with each other.

Entering through the main park is the guest of honor, Adam Belfort and his wife Ashley. When the people see them, they break out into applause. Adam greets all of his friends who gives him a hug.

Then a man strolls by walking a shih tzu. Adam is startled. "Nikita? Is that Nikita," Adam asks the man.

"Yes, that is her name."

"How did you—"

"—we got her awhile back from Mrs. McCluskey. The previous owner had died I was told. I heard he was a very brave man."

Adam eyes well up as he smiles. "Yes, he most certainly was."

"Oh, you knew him?"

"Yes," chimes in Ashley. She bends over to pet the dog. "And he would be happy to see his best friend being taken care of."

On the loudspeaker, the commencement ceremonies has begun. Adam and Ashley excuse themselves as they walk up to a raised platform with a large cloth draped over something. In attendance are local leaders. The mayor gets up to the microphone. "The person being honored today needs no introduction. This knight in shining armor, rode in, not on a horse, but a rusty fishing boat named the Shrimp Dancer. It was through your brave tenacity that you faced the predator known as the Kraken."

Cellphone cameras are held up making sure not to miss anything. The mayor continues. "History will remember this day as we preserve the memory of the courage's fight to the death to preserve the safety of our community here at Harbor Shores."

With a flourish, the mayor unveils an image of Adam, set in bronze. There is audible hush among the crowd. The mayor looks up to it with pride. "I hope that this statue's existence overlooking the mighty Pacific, will remind us of that fateful day. It will stand proudly as it guards the safety for many years to come." Television cameras rush up to the platform. "With the power bestowed upon me by the citizens of San Diego, I give you, Adam Belfort, the key to the city and to our hearts."

Ashley cries and hugs Adam. He walks up to the platform to accept his honor. "Adam," the mayor says to him, "It now seems that the world is your oyster."

"I hope not," Adam responds. "I hate oysters."

The mayor and Adam shakes hands. The mayor says privately to him, "With your triumphant here today, I wouldn't be surprised if you don't get garner a book deal…or possibly a movie deal."

Adam nods his head. "I guess this will make one hell of a story."

Ashley jumps in. "That is if anyone will believe your fish tale."

Interrupting the festivities is the sound of a squawking bird. The sound is long and drawn out as it comes closer.

"Oh, look," Ashely said, "My heron has returned."

They watch it fly by. Then it makes a lazy circle around the harbor and returns. It rests right on top of Adam's statue. He takes one look at it and says, "Well, isn't that appropriate."

Ashely says, "At least my heron will always have a place to rest." She puts her arms around Adam and they kiss. The crowd applauds. She places her head on his shoulder as they overlook their beach side community still untouched from developers and restored to its original glory.

THE END