THERE IT WAS, just a few yards away, AB Sea School of Music and Dance. As Johnson’s heartbeat raced he slowly walked to the door using his tail to propel his speed. Everyone around moved hurriedly not paying any attention to anyone but themselves. Such was Scholarship Audition Day at AB Sea School of Music.

“Hey, Johnson!” the familiar voice of Johnson’s cousin Jackson was heard over the commotion, “stay there, I’m coming over!”

Johnson at once became relaxed as Jackson approached him. Jackson carried a clipboard and pencil with him as he swam towards Johnson.

“So, you ready?” ask Jackson.

“Well, to be honest with you,” said Johnson, “I’m really nervous! I’ve never been around so many… well, you know, other than the family.”

“Relax, most of these folks don’t even notice you are here,” Jackson said trying to calm a nervous Johnson, “The only people you have to worry about are the three judges. They will be asking you a couple of questions and watching you dance. That’s it, just answer the questions like we practiced and dance the only way you know how!”

“Now let’s fill out this paperwork and get you signed in!” continued Jackson.

Johnson made a quick trip to the restroom where he shut the door and practiced his routine.

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The enchanting sounds echoed through the restroom door. Not too many noticed though. A few looked around wondering from where the sounds were coming. But, that was the typical response on Scholarship Audition Day at AB Sea School of Music: the only sounds that mattered where yours.

And so it was, 323 sea creatures auditioned all day long for one scholarship. Johnson was last on the list. He watched each sea creature audition one by one. He paced back and forth waiting his turn. He was all alone. This was a regular school day, and Jackson was now teaching his tap-dancing class.

It was 2:32, and school would let out at 3:00 sharp. Johnson was up next. Tommie the Tuna was blowing his heart out on his tuba. Johnson’s heartbeat started racing, but all at once his mind was clear. There was only one thought that mattered at that moment:

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That thought was the beat he had been using to dance since the day he hatched. It was the beat that kept him company during the day in that old shack. It was the beat that kept him dancing in his backyard all alone on those quiet dark nights. It was the beat that would finally release him into a world that he had never known.

“Johnson!” shouted judge number two, “you’re next!”

Johnson stepped up under the bright spotlight.

“Mr. Johnson, what will you be performing for us today?” asked judge number one.

“Well,” replying nervously, “I’m going to do a tap dance routine,” Johnson said.

“Tap dance?” asked judge number three, “We’ve been waiting a long time for a great tap dancer. Tell us Mr. Johnson, why do you think you’ll be a great tap dancer?”

By now, Jackson was looking in on the audition with his entire class to lend Johnson his moral support. He waived at him but Johnson did not see him.

“Well,” replied Johnson gaining his confidence, “I have a love and a passion for tap dancing…”

“Love and passion are important!” interrupted judge number two.

“And I have these” continued Johnson pointing to his arms and legs.

All at once there was a giant gasp of shock and horror, but Johnson did not notice because at once he began his routine.

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“My, my, what are those things?” said the shocked judge number two.

The first and third judge had simply passed out.

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Jackson’s class didn’t notice at first and watched the dancing intently.

But then, “Mr. Jackson,” a student asked Johnson’s cousin, Jackson, “what are those things on your cousin?”

At once the entire class noticed and quickly headed towards the stage for a closer look.

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The entire auditioning class and their parents suddenly heard the commotion and rushed to the auditorium.

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Word started to spread to all the classrooms. Teachers couldn’t believe what they were hearing and had to see for themselves. Classes were let out early and everyone headed towards the auditorium.

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Jackson tried so hard to get Johnson’s attention, but the entire auditorium was packed. He tried calling out to Johnson, but he knew there was no way Johnson could hear anything other than his…

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The auditorium was packed. The hallways around the auditorium were jammed. All wanted to see Johnson, and they all stood quiet. His dancing could be heard everywhere!

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The world that Johnson longed for was suddenly before him. Yes, his beautiful and smooth tap dancing was center stage. He could feel the crowd. Their heavy breathing and heartbeats were strong, but not strong enough to drown out…

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In a moment he would be done. All his short life he had prepared for this moment. A roaring and accepting crowd would make him born again. He would walk the world and dance before it and show the love he was ready to give.

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All at once Johnson was done. Now not only was their one spotlight on him, but three. As he covered his eyes to see beyond the stage he knew it was packed. Yet, there was no sound, no clapping, no bravo, no hip-hip-hooray.