For this project, my class had to write a short story broken up into several paragraphs. Later, these paragraphs became stickers with a QR code next to them. We then had to stick the story around public areas separately so that people had to scan the QR code to read the full story.

Dancing in the Sea

Part One

Once there was a gnome, who lived by the sea. He rather liked his seaside home. It was small and cozy with a hammock bed and shell dishes. However, the little gnome felt very lonely, as his only company was the waves and gulls that would steal his sea pea pies. Feeling desperate, the gnome remembered the saying “There are plenty of fish in the sea” and waded out to sea. With the water up to his neck, the gnome contemplated his decision, took a deep breath, and plunged below the water. 

Part Two

Opening his eyes, the gnome looked around. The salt stung his eyes as they adjusted to the dark water. He saw a vast empty space. Allowing his body to sink, the gnome fell deeper and deeper into the water. Sitting at the bottom of the sea, he looked above and saw light bouncing in the waves. All around him, the kelp forest danced, almost like the vines were doing a traditional waltz, switching partners, spinning back and forth. The gnome sat there for a while, just watching the kelp dancing and wishing he had someone to dance with. Suddenly, he heard a noise and twisted abruptly in the water, shooting bubbles out of his nose.  

Part Three

Deathly still, the gnome used his incredible hearing to listen for the source of the sound. He heard it again. A light note. It’s as airy as the wind above the sea. Intrigued, the gnome slowly shuffled across the sandy sea bottom towards the sound. Finally, the gnome reached a drop. Looking over the edge, the gnome almost swallowed some sea water from shock. 

Part Four

A beautiful mermaid sat all alone, braiding her hair, and she looked so sad. Now and then the mermaid would sing a few notes, then go back to humming a melody. Slipping down the sandbank, the gnome made his way towards the mermaid. The gnome’s chest felt tight. Is that from nerves or from running out of oxygen? The gnome tapped on the mermaid’s shoulder at which point she spun around. The gnome threw up his hands as if to say, “Sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you!” The mermaid relaxed and asked him, “What are you doing down here? Don’t you live above the sea?”  

Part Five

The gnome nodded his head in agreement. He then used some seashells from the seafloor to spell out his next words. “Me lonely.” The mermaid replied, “I understand. We have had many visitors below the sea for that reason. However, they don’t stay for very long.” The gnome spelled, “Is that why you sad?” The mermaid sighs. “I don’t have many friends. The sea is vast but can feel empty at times. Sometimes I wish I could leave.”  

Part Six

The gnome had an idea. “You dance me?” Smiling, the mermaid said, “I would be happy to!” Together, the gnome and the mermaid danced until the gnome’s chest started to be painful. He knew he was out of time. He pointed up, at which point the mermaid grabbed him underneath his arms and pulled him up to the surface. Under the stars, the gnome gasped for air. The mermaid stayed below the water and looked sad again. The gnome shouted, “Thank you!” The mermaid nodded her head as if to say you’re welcome. She turned to go but the gnome grabbed her hand. “I promise I will be back tomorrow.” The mermaid smiled and waved goodbye.  

Part Seven

They continued to dance every night together. They found ways to communicate and had a beautiful friendship for many years. As the gnome grew old, he knew his time had come and decided to take one last plunge into the sea. Together they danced into a new world, hand in hand.