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Shark Family Reunion

The sun had just risen when Steve pulled the truck into the parking lot of the designated dock area. With more vehicles than usual so early on a Saturday, he and Catherine knew most of the Aquarium staff were there along with some invited guests to witness Hilda, the shark that had made headlines for the human arm incident, being released back into the ocean.

"Ready?" Steve asked, stepping out of the car.

Angie was first out, eyes wide with excitement. "Hilda's going to be with her family again! I'm so happy for her," she bubbled, while automatically taking DJ's hand for the walk across the parking lot.

"She is," her brother replied, "and she's totally okay. Just like Dad promised."

Angie beamed. "I can't wait to tell her hello and that everyone loves her."

"And I bet she understands you," he said, as he adjusted his Cubs cap with his free hand. "Even if she usually only speaks shark."

"Just like Cammie, Pumpkin, Luna and Felix," Angie said with a nod. "Auntie Kaia and Esther both say animals listen with their hearts."

"Look who's here," Catherine pointed as they made their way toward the entrance.

"Hey, hey! Did someone say it's Hilda's release day?" Danny grinned at the kids as they ran up for hugs. He passed Steve his cup of coffee so he could open both arms to Angie and DJ.

"Do you think she'll remember us if we wave and say, 'Hilda, say hi to our families?' " He waved exaggeratedly, causing Gabby to roll her eyes and laugh, even as she lifted Angie into a hug.

"Watch out she doesn't think you're a seal," Steve busted as they heard, "Is this the shark release party?"

"Hi, Uncle Chin, isn't it super awesome?" Angie said as he arrived with Leilani, who was bouncing on her toes, her excitement palpable. "Hi, Aunt Kono, Hi, Aunt Leilani!"

After more hugs and kisses, the group turned to see one more family member running towards them.

"Kaitlyn!" DJ called as she arrived, slightly out of breath.

"I got caught in so much traffic and I even left early," she said while hugging the kids.

"You're right on time" Danny told her, throwing an arm around the teen's shoulder. "Hilda needs your positive energy. Right, Leilani?"

"Absolutely! I can't wait to see her." Leilani smiled with anticipation. "I've been watching the news every day since you caught the case."

Kono, pointing to where the doors had opened for guests to join the staff, said, "Are we ready for some shark magic?"

"Shark magic? Is that what we're calling it?" Danny asked, arching a brow.

"We totally are," she replied, "It's not just any release; it's the release of a celebrity."

"And she's a really nice shark," Angie confirmed. "I know she missed her family lots and lots."

"Exactly," Catherine agreed, kneeling to Angie's level. "Hilda's been through a tough week, and she's brave. Just like you."

Angie beamed at her mother's words. "I'm going to tell her how brave she is."

Once they were in the dock area, the aquarium staff began to talk to the gathered crowd. Steve moved closer to DJ, who had his phone out. "You ready, buddy?" he asked. "Stand in front of me and Mommy so you can get good shots."

"I'm ready," DJ replied, "I'll get it all on video. Michael and the guys want to see it and I know Angie can't wait to show Ashae and all their friends." He looked over at Kono and smiled. "I'll text it to Uncle Adam later, too.

With the small crowd gathered, Dr Okai stepped forward, microphone in hand. "Greetings everyone, and thank you for joining us this morning for Hilda's release back into her natural habitat."

Cheers erupted from the audience, and Angie bounced on her feet, eyes glued to the water. "I can't wait!" she whispered.

Steve lifted her for a better view. "Let's watch, you'll see her in a second."

"The veterinarians, technicians and support staff have been working hard to ensure Hilda is healthy and ready to return home," the veterinarian continued. "We're thrilled to see her go back to her shiver."

Just then, Hilda was hoisted into view from the holding tank on the dock and lowered towards the water.

"We love you, Hilda, you've been very brave!" Angie called, waving her hands toward the shark and every adult nearby chuckled at her enthusiasm.

The tension in the air was electric as the release crew continued lowering the shark. The instant she hit the water and the canvas support sling was released, Hilda swam gracefully, oblivious to the commotion outside her world, but Angie's voice, bubbling with enthusiasm, floated over the water.

"Yay, Hilda!" she called, cupping her hands around her mouth. "Be happy in the ocean! Your mommy and daddy are waiting!"

Catherine shook her head, unable to stop a smile at her daughter's sincerity.

"I think she knows everyone loves her and is happy she's okay!" the seven year old told Steve.

"I definitely think she knows," he said, kissing her cheek "You've got a great heart, baby girl."

As the spectators watched, Hilda circled slowly, her powerful body cutting through the water. With a final flick of her tail, she surged out into the open ocean.

Angie was momentarily speechless, before finding her voice to whisper, "Go, Hilda! Swim! Swim! Swim!"

"Woah!" DJ exclaimed, capturing the moment on his phone. "This is epic!"

"Look, guys, you can see her shiver!" Kono pointed out, watching as a small group of sharks began to circle Hilda before they headed further out to sea as a unit.

Angie clapped her hands and beamed.

"Okay, who had 'shark family reunion,'on today's BINGO card?" Danny quipped, earning a chorus of laughter from the group.

"They should get shirts made." Kono replied, only half joking.

"That's a great idea," Dr. Okai said as he came up to thank the team once again for not endangering Hilda during the investigation.

"Dr. Okai, this is our niece," Danny said, drawing Kaitlyn, who was teary-eyed at watching Hilda safely return to the ocean. "She works at the shelter and is single handedly responsible for most of the team owning pets," he grinned.

"Kaitlyn may be a vet," DJ offered. "She's super smart and loves animals."

"We can always use team members," Dr. Okai offered, shaking her hand. "When you're ready, reach out and we can talk about recommendations for the veterinary programs here and on the mainland."

"Oh!" Kaitlyn's eyes widened. "Wow, that's … thank you, Doctor. That's very generous. I'm definitely thinking here on the island."

"We always need compassionate vets, and I could see your expression from the podium. You and this young lady were definitely equally enthusiastic about Hilda's freedom." He grinned at Angie. "I'm guessing this is your daughter, Commander, since she's virtually a little version of the Lieutenant," he smiled at Catherine. "And this handsome photographer must be your son." He offered his hand. DJ shook it, and as Angie followed suit, said, "I got some great video, Dr. Okai. If you'd like, I can send it to you."

"That would be excellent. You know, the press was none too thrilled they couldn't be on the dock for the actual release, but we needed to keep the crowd to a minimum for Hilda's comfort and safety. Your father has my email, please send it when you can."

DJ beamed. "I will! I can't wait to show my friends, they're pretty excited to see the release."

"Tell you what," Dr. Okai said, "Schedule a visit and we'll arrange a private tour for you and a few friends." He looked at Angie. "You, too. And of course, our future vet is welcome." He nodded at Kaitlyn.

"Awesome, thank you!" DJ gushed as Angie squealed and Kaitlyn thanked him as well.

"Thanks, doc," Steve said as the veterinarian shook everyone's hand.

"Thank you, Commander. Thank you all. I've got to get back to the aquarium, we have a press conference in an hour."

After bidding everyone goodbye, he stepped away as the kids excitedly discussed a future visit and made their way towards the exit, with Angie between DJ and Kaitlyn, holding their hands.

"So, what's next?" Steve asked, "Zoo time?"

"Yes! I want to see Felix!" Angie exclaimed, "I can't wait to tell him about Hilda."

As they walked to the cars, Steve glanced around at their family and friends and wrapped an arm over Catherine's shoulder, kissing her temple.

"Alright, La Famiglia, let's hit the zoo," he announced, leading the way to where everyone was parked. "Lunch first, though?"

"Definitely,' Danny said and everyone agreed.

"Can we go to Big City Diner, Daddy?" Angie asked.

"Does that work for everybody?" He turned to see them all nod. "Are you hungry for pancakes?" he asked his beaming daughter.

"Yes," Angie said with a head tilt, "and besides, the diner has cookies shaped like sharks."

# THE END Thanks for Reading

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