Tropical Nights: Curacao at Christmas

"Tropical nights in Curacao are wonderful!" exclaimed Beth. "This place is so remote, but I love it!" Beth and Tommy, a young married couple, had been touring the small island most of the day.

"Me too! I cannot believe that we saw the mountains of South America, as we flew in. The pilot announced that they were only forty miles away."

Beth nodded her head.

"Coming for a swim?" She paused beside the swimming pool in front of their cabin and gazed at the clear, azure water. "It's midnight, but there is no one around."  

The night air was extremely humid. 

"A quick swim would feel good, Tommy"

"I'm really glad we came here for our Christmas vacation, but I am not a swimmer." said Tommy. "Jump in and the barracudas will eat you alive. The ocean is only fifty feet away." He laughed heartily, as he headed towards their cabin. "I'm going to bed."

Beth knew the cabin would still be stuffy.

"I swim alone, or I don't swim at all? I'm going to take my chances then," she called to him, as she plunged into the warm water. "This is fantastic!" Floating on her back, she watched the huge, orange moon, climbing high above the poinsettia trees in blossom. "Come and get me barracuda, dear!" she hollered. 

"That was worth the risk," she decided. "I would not have done that, if there was anyone else here."

Moments later, still dripping wet and wrapped in her huge, beach towel, Beth headed for their cabin. 

Suddenly, a huge, green lizard appeared out of nowhere blocking the sidewalk.

"No one told me about lizards," she said to herself. "At least you are not a barracuda."

The lizard stood his ground, his gaze firmly fixed upon her.

"You think the sidewalk is all yours," said Beth. She picked up a small stick. "I dub thee, Sir Green." She waited another moment. The lizard still did not budge. 

Finally, Beth walked around the lizard. The short grass felt soft and warm.  

"Thank you for your company on this beautiful, tropical night. Have a Merry Curacao Christmas, Sir Green."