A Hammy Interruption

"It's great to meet you Essie." Rick said happily. "Would you care for some company while we're both swimming at the beach today?"

"You seem like a sweet guy Rick, but you really don't want to be around me." Essie said sadly as her smile faded. "My situation is not only complicated, but dangerous too."

"Believe it or not, I can relate to also being in a complicated, dangerous situation." Rick smiled. "If you need to vent, I would be happy to listen. If you want me to leave you alone, I can do that too. I just want you to keep smiling, so whatever you need from me, I'll do."

Essie smiled again, despite the walls she had put up. There was something about Rick that reassured her that he was sincere and trustworthy.

A scream from the shore kept Essie and Rick from saying another word.

"My ham, what happened to my ham?" A beachgoer screamed.

Questioning who would bring a ham to the beach, Rick turned to the shore and saw a monster laughing at the terrified beachgoer. This monster was none other than a giant, cooked ham with fangs and sharp claws.

"You people have been eating my brethren for years, now it is my turn!" The ham monster jeered. "I wonder how you taste with pineapples on top!"

"Essie, stay in the water!" Rick said quickly. "You'll be safer here!"

"Rick, wait!" Essie cried out as Rick rapidly swam to the shore.

Dirk and Doug directed the other guests off the beach while Rick approached the monster. He was grateful for Dirk and Doug's efforts, as he wouldn't need to worry about bystanders. He would still need to be mindful of Essie back in the ocean, but he hoped to take the ham creature down fast. But before Rick could summon his helmet and don his armor and weapons, Essie ran in front of him and bravely faced the monster....

To be continued....