500 Words 2024/25: read a finalist's story from the 8-11 category

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This story was chosen as a top 50 finalist for 500 Words 2024/25.

Remember, spelling, punctuation and grammar are not taken into account for a 500 Words story, therefore all the top 50 stories have been published how they were submitted.

The Not So Hairy Puffer Fish by Cecilia T.

Harry was a hairy puffer fish. Harry had big dreams and worked his little fins off to make them come true. The big day finally came. Hairy Harry's Hair Salon was open for business. Harry bubbled with excitement and waited for his first customer. Harry waited. And waited. Nothing. Not one single customer. A whole week went by and Harry started to worry. Then finally a clown fish came into Harry's salon. Harry pulled out a chair and asked "what hair style would you like today?". The clown fish looked confused and said "I just wanted some directions can you help me?". Harry felt sad. Harry asked him if he was sure he didn't want a new hair style. The clown fish said "But I don't have any hair to style Harry" and swam off.

That evening Harry bumped into a shoal of anchovies. One of the anchovies looked as sad as Harry. Harry asked the anchovy why he was upset. The anchovy explained to Harry that all the other fish kept confusing him with his brothers and sisters. "My name is Archibald - not Alex, not Angelina - why can't fishes get it right!". Harry nodded, but wasn't sure he would be able to tell them all apart either!

Harry went home and told his best friend Oscar the Octopus about his chat with Archibald the anchovy. "At least people don't mistake me for my brothers and sisters, that's something I suppose" said Harry, trying not to cry.

Oscar the Octopus felt a tingling in his tentacles. Oscar had an idea.

Oscar and Harry went out collecting bits of seaweed, grass and sea flowers. They worked hard all day and all night.

The next day Harry went to see if he could find Archibald the anchovy. Harry took Archibald back to the salon. Archibald said "but Harry, I don't need to go to your salon, I don't have any hair". Harry opened the salon door, revealing the most majestic display of hats and wigs that Archibald had ever seen. Archibald picked out an amazing green and blue wig with orange splodges and a little purple sponge on top. "There's no way any fish will mix me up with my brothers and sisters now!" cheered Archibald and he swam off to show off his new look.

The very next morning Harry slowly made his way back to his salon. Harry stopped dead and rubbed his eyes. There was a line of fishes all around the rock, with Archibald at the front, wearing his amazing wig.

"There you are Harry - everyone has been waiting for you!" shouted Archibald over the crowds of fish. "No one has got me mixed up with any of my brothers or sisters since I've been wearing my new wig Harry!"

Harry was rushed off his fins all day. He sold out of his beautiful hats and wigs. The fish were all so happy to have their own special look - and not to be confused with each other anymore!

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