Once upon a time there was a very big giant. Because he was so very big, he could see better and farther than anyone. He also had a very good sense of smell. He could smell a spaghetti dinner being made anywhere in the kingdom. And wherever there was spaghetti, there he would go. The people of the village knew giant and knew that he was a gentle soul. He inspired fear in the enemies because they did not know him truly they just saw him and ran. So the people of the village were happy to make a little or rather a bit more spaghetti whenever they cooked spaghetti.

But those who knew him also knew this gentle giant was not a happy giant. He was sad, perhaps more precisely a bit glum at being bored. One day at the edge of the kingdom where the ocean meets the castle wall, he saw the mermaid catching some rays. Melinda the mermaid was friends with Raul the giant.

Raul, why are you so blah these days. Are you sad, my friend.

No I-m not sad Melinda, I’m just bored. I have seen all there is to see and I can smell whatever it is that is coming. I cannot remember the last time I was surprised.

Oh, I love surprises said Melinda. So I can imagine how boring things might be without them.

Are you sure we cant surprise you? What about last year for your birthday. We all gave you that surprise birthday party?

It was sure nice you all were trying to surprise me but I knew the baker was making an extra big cake as soon as I saw the extra pounds of flour being brought to town and smelled the cake batter that morning.

But Raul, perhaps I can help you. I have a secret and whoever discovers my secret can have a wish. If you discover my secret you can wish for something that will surprise you.

I accept the challenge, though I doubt it will take me long with my great eyesight and smell I will am sure I will have my wish soon.

I have to go now Raul but I will see you around I am sure.

Raul watched Melinda dive off. Her red hair sparkled in the sun and her blue green fins playfully splashed him goodbye.

Raul obserserved Melinda closely everyday that week. From morning to night, until she was sound asleep. In the afternoon as she would hop on shore to sun bathe Raul would come and share with her his guess.

"Melinda, I know what your secret is: you wish you could go to school with humans. I see you every day as you pop up and follow the kids to school and then sit by the window of the school and listen to the class.

That is true Raul, I do do that, but that is not my secret. A careful observer can see that.

Then perhaps your secret is that you like to eat cake.

Have you seen me eat cake Raul?

No I havent but I smell the sugar and frosting on your lips.

Boy you do have a good sense of smell. Yes I do like cake. I talk to the baker when he takes breaks and he tells me all about his new recipes and sometimes he brings me a taste. MMMMmmmm boy after a good seaweed sandwich, cake is just perfect. But that is not my secret.

Another day another try. Raul had seen Melinda save a little baby that had fallen into the ocean when the mommy tripped on the peer. The mother had been inconsolable because the waves were crashing all around. When suddenly the mermaid swam to shore with the baby safe and sound. She sang to the baby a magical lullaby and by the time the mother came to get him he was sound asleep and had forgotten the danger he had seen.

I know you your secret Melinda, you have a beautiful voice.

Now Raul, many people know that about mermaids, that is no secret.

Ok, then maybe your secret is that you watch over the village people and keep them safe.

That I do, but that again is plain to see. Perhaps another day, Raul.

Days came and went and they met each afternoon to talk about the Mermaids adventures. Everytime Raul had new guesses all based on what he had seen, or smelled or heard.

Then one day, the mermaid did not come, she had been sick that day and stayed at home. The giant missed her and their afternoon chat.

The following day, Raul said to Melinda, Melinda I missed you yesterday, and that left me thinking when I did not see you that you truly are as good a friend as you are beautiful.

Raul you guessed it. My secret! Few people take the time to see what lies beneath and cannot be seen at plain sight. Now you may have your wish.

I don’t need it, everyday for the past week as I got to know more about you I discovered new and wonderful things and I have not been bored again since. As long as I have a friend with whom to