by Elise Moody-Roberts
Thick clouds rolled over the horizon and towered over the ship like a giant's shadow. The waves whipped hard against the ship. All the Pilgrims had to stay beneath the deck. Everyone was afraid. Children cried and adults trembled. Would the storm be too big to pass through? Would the Pilgrims have to go back to England? Everyone was a nervous wreck.
After days came weeks and more weeks. The Pilgrims were getting restless. Under the deck it was as crowded as a full pantry, and it smelled like dead fish.
Finally, the dreadful storm died down. The clouds opened up and sunlight came pouring in. Everyone was relieved. just then, the Pilgrims heard a baby crying. Elizabeth Hopkins had given birth to a baby boy! Everyone was extremely excited!
"What should we name him?" Mrs.
Hopkins' other children, Giles, Constance, and Damaris, all questioned
in one voice.
"Well, I certainly don't know, darlings, but I think we should think of a name that has to do with the ocean," answered Mrs. Hopkins in a gentle voice. She had ivy green eyes and long golden hair. She was always smiling and cheerful.
"How about Oceanus?" asked her husband, Stephen Hopkins.
"What a perfect name, honey!" exclaimed Mrs. Hopkins. And so the new baby's name was Oceanus!