Once there was a little girl named Ana. Ana was six years old, with freckles and ginger hair. She loved swimming, but was afraid of the ocean because of all the strange creatures that lived in it. One morning, Ana woke up feeling especially brave and asked if her parents would take her to the sea.

"We have a busy day," her father told her, "and besides, every time we go to the beach you're too scared to go in the water."

"I promise I'll go swimming today! Please?" Ana begged.

"I've heard that before," Ana's mother said, walking into the room, "and then you always say 'not today'."

"Today will be different! Pleeeaaase?"

Her parents knew it was important to help Ana overcome her fears. "I suppose if you promise to—"

"I promise! I promise!" Ana interrupted and ran off to find her swimsuit.

It was a hot summer day, perfect for swimming in the ocean. As they got out of the car, Ana's mother said, "I'm so proud of you, Ana! What a brave girl!"

After the family found a good spot on the beach, Ana set out for the water. As she was walking along the seaside, she noticed a long, dark shadow in the water. She went to go tell her parents.

"I saw something huge in the ocean! I think I've changed my mind about swimming," Ana said.

"Oh, Ana. The biggest thing you'll find in that water is a sea turtle," replied her mom.

"Yeah. I guess." Ana ran off, but as soon as she reached the shore, she saw it again. This time, a large whale-sized body emerged just above the water. "Definitely not a sea turtle!" she said to herself. She ran back to tell her mom.

"NO! YOU ARE GOING SWIMMING! YOU BEGGED US TO COME HERE! GO SWIMMING! RIGHT THIS INSTANT!!!" her mom insisted.

She went into the water, and when she got deep enough, she dunked her head underneath and saw the thought-to-be extinct basilosaurus! The creature was dark blue, with a white underside, and nearly as big as a blue whale! It's mouth was open just wide enough for Ana to see the long, white teeth. They looked like sharp icicles. The monster turned and looked right at Ana. Within a few seconds, before she could even blink, she was in its jaws.

Ana jumped awake. What a nightmare! She was sitting in the backseat of the car.

"We're here! Are you ready for a swim?" Ana's father shouted. His arms were full of towels and beach gear.

Ana locked the doors and looked up at her parents standing outside the car.

"Not today."