Sears the Bearded Shark: A Tale of Bravery
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_1_692abb7216.jpg)
Sears was an unusual shark. He had a beard, a real beard!
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_2_9f29d88ee2.jpg)
The other sea creatures would often smear seaweed on their faces, pretending to have beards like Sears.
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_3_59bc76ec3e.jpg)
Everyone admired Sears' beard, but he had a fear.
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_4_61093478a6.jpg)
He was fearful that his beard would disappear.
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_5_d0637b2eea.jpg)
One day, Sears overheard some fish talking. They said a big storm was near.
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_6_496f32d54b.jpg)
Sears was worried. If the storm was too harsh, his beard might be torn off!
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_7_0bc5e657e2.jpg)
So, he decided to find a clear, safe place to hide during the storm.
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_8_da7d8d8fb7.jpg)
Sears swam near a sunken ship. Maybe he could hide there.
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_9_6f46aff6cd.jpg)
But as he got closer, he could clearly see the ship was already full of other sea creatures seeking shelter.
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_10_91bc3f74f7.jpg)
Sears decided to search further. He swam around, looking for a safe spot.
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_11_a9f1fd01df.jpg)
Finally, he found a small cave. It was nearly hidden by the tall seaweed.
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_12_39cf63c582.jpg)
Sears swam inside and felt safe. His beard would not disappear in the storm.
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_13_714ea26034.jpg)
As he settled down, he could hear the storm starting outside.
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_14_dd844b799e.jpg)
The storm was fierce, but Sears was safe in his cave. He could hear the storm but he didn't fear it.
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_15_f76cdd6b22.jpg)
When the storm finally passed, Sears swam out of the cave. His beard was still there!
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_16_71ad0c8c25.jpg)
Sears felt fearless and brave. He had faced his fear and kept his dear beard.
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_17_053a8d9941.jpg)
From that day on, Sears was not just known for his beard. He was also known for his bravery.
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_18_29efa3d728.jpg)
Although he still loved his beard, he realized that his bravery was more important. And that made him feel proud.
![story illustration](https://storage.googleapis.com/stories-assets/cllmwfuel0001s601topv1cos/paragraph_19_9f4c9ca6a2.jpg)
Sears the bearded shark became the bravest shark in the ocean, and everyone loved him even more.