Disclaimer: I'm borrowing without permission, but ownership is theirs. Aye, I'm terribly sorry. I've been neglecting this one.
More of Mother's Advice
"PIRATES!" I shouted. It was horrifying. A fake wooden eye swiveled to catch up with his good one, he was skinny as a skeleton and his teeth were yellow as ducklings. The other had matted stringy hair, a horrid sinister grin and-and- he hadn't buttoned his shirt! Worst of all they were filthy! Grime and salt and perspiration clung to their skin. I wanted to get a cloth and some soap and just scrub it all off. A terrifying thought ran through my head. I would get…smelly.
I ran to Oliver's side and gripped his arm, "I don't want to kiss a mermaid- I don't want to kiss a mermaid! Don't let them take me, please, please, please…"
"Be good boys, eh? Give the gold." He smiled wider revealing his teeth. I gasped. His teeth were even worst. I shuddered in utter revulsion and fear. More of what mother had said came to me, "They want your shoes-give it to them. It's not worth your life." I took off my shoes and placed it in front of them, then scurried back over to Oliver.
The pirates looked at each other in contemplation, weighing my fate. That moment I thought, I hope they like my shoes.
