The beauty within

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He moved sadly across the coral reef, a lonely crab in search of a shell. James previously lost his shell in an under current that pushed it off the lonely hermit crab.

Feeling embarrassed and vulnerable without his shell, James tried to hide amongst the rocks and seaweed. But his friends soon discovered him and laughed at his strange, tin can shell. James felt ashamed and decided to leave the reef and go on a journey to find a new shell.

As he traveled, James encountered many sea creatures, but none of them had a shell that fit him. He was about to give up hope when he met a kind fish named Carl. Carl was a small, scrappy fish who had a heart of gold.

"Oh my, you poor thing! You must be James, the crab without a shell, I heard some fishes laughing far back" said Carl. "Let me help you."

Carl swam around the ocean floor and soon came back with a shiny, silver tin can. "Here you go, my friend," he said. "I found this tin can and I think it would make the perfect shell for you."

James was overjoyed and thanked Carl from the bottom of his heart. He quickly climbed into the tin can and felt like a new crab. The tin can was a little tight, but he was so happy to have a new shell.

As he swam back to his home reef, he felt much more confident and proud of his new shell. His friends were amazed by the new shell and asked where he got it from, James introduced them to Carl and told them how kind and helpful was.

From that day on, James's tin can shell became famous throughout the reef and he was no longer seen as an outcast. Instead, he was admired and respected by all the sea creatures. Carl, too, was admired for his kindness and generosity.

Carl and James became the best of friends and went on many adventures together. They explored shipwrecks and swam through schools of colorful fish. They even helped other sea creatures in need, just like Finny had helped Carl.

Years went by, and eventually, James's tin can shell began to rust and wear out. But he did not worry, because he knew that Carl would always be there to help him. And sure enough, Carl found a new, bigger and better tin can for James to use as his shell.

And so, they lived happily ever after, in the beautiful coral reef, with the friendship and kindness that brought them together. They both learned that a true friend will always be there to help and support you, no matter what. And that true beauty comes from within, not from the shell that surrounds you.