As the sun began to set and the sky was slowly painted into a breathtaking masterpiece of orange, pink and blue, young Mike strolled leisurely on the beach.  Nibbling the last of his sandwich, he waited patiently for his parents to finish packing their things so they could go home after a beautiful day spent at the beach playing with friends.  

           With a gentle smile, he listened to the calming sound of waves splashing and palm leaves rustling until he heard his name being called. As he realized two of his friends haven't left yet, he hurried to get back to them. He threw his sandwich plastic bag not caring where it landed and jogged to his friends. 

           "Mom says we can stay for a little while longer, she still hasn't finished packing. " said Levi. Just like that, laughter and chatter filled the place once again.

          It was only when Levi tried to see how far he can throw his cup into the water that the atmosphere changed. Lisa, his twin sister, got mad and tried to stop her brother. " Mike, tell him to stop, he's hurting the ocean!"

        "Don't listen to her, she's just being dramatic." 

         After a staring contest of glares, they both turned to face Mike expectantly. Even at only 9 years old, the difference between the siblings was crystal clear. At first, Mike didn't want to take a side for he loved both of his friends.

        " Don't be boring, Mike. "

        Mike frowned then threw his cup as far as he could into the water. Levi laughed in victory while his sister gasped. " I thought the beach was your favorite place in the world!"

        Mike shrugged, " It's just a cup. What's the worse that it could do?"

        " Everything, no matter how small, makes a difference. " Furious, Lisa left the two boys and soon after, both families returned home.

        That night, Mike fell asleep to find himself in a sea of awe-inspiring beauty. Schools of fish that varied in size and color swam passed him.

        " Hi. " Said a stingray and smiled. Mike waved back.

       Mesmerized, it took him a while to notice his scaly tail. He was a merman and he loved it. He took off swimming, enjoying the freedom that came with it until he was abruptly stopped. His tail was cut badly and pain overwhelmed his senses.

       He looked at the seabed to see giant plastic forks sticking out. He was deeply wounded but when he screamed for help, none was granted. Chaos and terror filled the once peaceful sea. All the fish were frantically swimming to escape being trapped by the countless plastic bags and cups but to no avail.  

        Mike woke up covered in sweat. Trying to calm his breathing, a decision was made. The next morning, he went back to the beach with his friends to clean it and he didn't rest until he found a plastic bag with 'Mike' on it.