The green kayak was upside down in the shallows. It was a monument to Jake's failed attempt to identify a turtle. He was already on the small beach, collapsed in a shivering heap on the sand. Ruby waded out of the cold lake behind him and squeezed the water from her long hair. Kofi and Nina climbed out of the yellow kayak, their legs stiff.
"Well, this was a complete and total success." Nina crossed her arms, surveying the scene. "Operation: Intrepid Kayakers has officially ended in a tactical retreat. And significant dampness."
'This is a mess,' Kofi thought. His eyes moved from the overturned boat to Jake. 'They're soaked. We need to get them dry before they actually get sick.'
"I'm so sorry, guys." Jake's voice was a moan from the ground. His teeth chattered. "I just got so excited. I thought it might be a rare subspecies."
