I focused on Sergeant Snips again. She stared at me, her claw still held to my hand, concern in her eye. “Thank you, Snips.” I felt a tear welling up, and I blinked it away, casting my eyes out to sea. I pulled her into me, and she snuggled up against my leg, deftly avoiding my soft skin with her hardened spike. I banished the unhappy thoughts, choosing to focus on gratitude instead. I lay on my own private beach, lazing in the sun with a friend by my side—nary a care in the world. “I’m so glad you came into my life, you beautiful pirate crab.” Snips bubbled her agreement, burying further into
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