A little girl named Ghoti, age eight, was busy with her studies for the day. She was crafty and always looking for trouble. Ghoti craved attention—her father was always gone, and her mother was always working. When her father came back from the sea, they might only get a few days with him before he headed out again. Her mother worked at the market as a florist. They did not necessarily need the money, but she wanted to provide for herself and have something to do while Ghoti was at school. 

Ghoti was a special type of child—not a normal human. She had scales on her body and gills on her neck when submerged in water. Her scales and skin were a beautiful bluish-green color, and her hair always looked wet, as though she had just been underwater. Most people did not know it, but Ghoti’s race was genasi. 

She also had basic magical skills. Water control was one of her favorites. She would float a small amount of water in her hand, shape it into various forms, then toss it to her other hand. She could do this with ease, even managing multiple circles of water at once, like juggling. She could use the moisture from her own body to create the water as well. The skill amazed younger children, and they would laugh and marvel whenever she performed. 

Ghoti always craved attention, so she often caused trouble at the local learning center. She never tried to seriously hurt anyone, but her pranks had to stop. One day, she whispered to her best friend, Kilo, “The floor will be slippery today.” That was their code for something about to happen—but this time, Ghoti took it. 

Ms. Rachila entered the room and walked toward the front of the class when suddenly her feet flew up into the air. It looked like a cartoon slip on a banana peel. Ms. Rachila glanced directly at the laughing Ghoti and said, “That is it. Go to the master’s office.” Ms. Rachila struggled to stand and walk. Kilo helped her up and carried her to the office. 

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In the office, Master Yin looked at Ghoti and asked, “What happened this time?” 

“I made Ms. Rachila slip and fall,” Ghoti replied. 

Master Yin glanced over at Ms. Rachila, who was still unable to walk. “Expulsion?” he asked. 

“Master Yin, can you watch my class? I need to get to the healing ward immediately. This injury could become permanent,” Ms. Rachila exclaimed, her face twisted in pain. “Expulsion? Even banishment!” She was visibly paralyzed from the waist down. If not for the magical abilities of the healing ward, she would be unable to move at all. 

“Banishment is too harsh for mere horseplay,” Master Yin said, “but it is something I can discuss with the Council. Her whole family could be banished, if necessary.” Kilo’s eyes welled up with tears. “And Kilo, please carry Ms. Rachila to the healing ward. Thank you.” 

“Absolutely, sir. Banishment? Really?” Kilo asked, still unsure. 

“Not, but it’s a possibility. The Council will decide. Now, go along.” Master Yin sat up in his chair, looking at Ghoti. “You are hereby expelled from this academy. Leave, and I suggest you tell your parents before I contact them myself.” 

Ghoti left the academy and headed home. Her mother was not home yet, but her father had just returned from his exploration. As Ghoti walked into the house, her father said, “We got a big one, honey. Oh, hi, Ghoti! I thought you were Kiara (your mother). What are you doing home so early?” 

“Uh, the academy let out early. What do you mean, ‘a big one’?” she asked, excited to see her father. 

“Well, it’s so big that…” He leaned in closer to Ghoti. “I might not go out for a while, but this is our secret. Do not tell your mother.” 

“I have a secret too, don’t tell Mom, ”She whispered, standing on tiptoe to reach his ear. “I have been expelled, that is why I am home early. Sorry for lying.” 

“Expelled?” her father exclaimed. “How about we try and convince your mother to move to another town? A nicer town, maybe? We’ve saved plenty since she started working. Do you think she would go for it?” 

“Maybe,” Ghoti said. “I sure hope so.” 

“Go to your room. I will cover for you when Mom gets home.” 

“I love you, Dad.” 

“Love you too, my little dew drop.”