Prologue

You have probably been to Mystery-on-Sea. In summer, you probably made epic sandcastles and eaten ice cream. When you were there, all the random shops were open and the sea could only whisper. It’s that kind of place…in summer.

However, when it gets cold and wet none of that’s there. The sea roars and the shops are empty and dull. You should try and see through the dark mist and view ice hanging from every building. Almost no-one is there. Even the locals have their own specific reasons for not going near the beach.

Chapter 1

My name is Joules Rancher and I work at the famous book dispensary; I am the caretaker here. I dust the books, put the Mermonkey to bed and lock up at the end of the day. In the past people have said my job would be boring but I have proved them wrong. In the dispensary, I have my own room with a heater, bed and comfy things to keep me from getting cold in the winter. When it’s summer, I’m never bored because of all the customers. Although, I get lonely in the winter, since no-one comes.

A girls bangs on the door and mutters, “Let me in!” I open the door not knowing what to do. She looks pale and cold, so I let her in. Questions buzzed around my head like flies but I asked none of them. She sits on my bean-bag at once and says, “Hide me!”

Before I carry on with what happens next, there’s a local story you need to know. It is so old no-one really knows much at all, except what they were told. Locals tell the story to everyone; a stormy night, strange noises were heard, and a rare species of mander was spotted- the Sanilmander.  It smelled of rotten fish and came out after sunset. Apparently, they saw a slime trail too, which led to the sea!  Everyone says it still comes out after sunset, either way everyone has to lock doors and close their blinds/curtains before sunset. 

Some say the creature wished for entertainment. Some say it saw a lost girl. Some say it got chased to land. Personally, I’ve never seen it (Because we aren’t allowed out) but I have noticed some slime trails in the past. Additionally, the wind makes some strange noises.

“Who are you?Why? What happened?” questions leaked out of me like a waterfall. 

“Lock the door then I’ll explain! It’s coming