Gordon the goldfish was lonely being the only fish in his bowl. He saw other goldfish swimming together in the nearby bowl and wanted to join them. Gordon came up with a plan to launch himself from his bowl into the other bowl by swimming fast enough. After building up speed by swimming laps, Gordon pushed off from the bottom of his bowl and flew through the air, landing successfully in the other bowl. However, the other fish were not very welcoming to Gordon and grumbled about his arrival. Still, Gordon was pleased that he achieved his goal of no longer being alone, even if the outcome was not ideal.

1. Jacob Douthett
FYS – 100
Dr. Blanco
Story Based on Goldfish Picture
Gordon didn’t like this. He was the only one in his bowl and it was starting to
make him upset. He never was one to enjoy being alone since he had the greatest times of
his life with others like him. He needed the company, truthfully, since he could always
remember parts of his life better when he was around others, as apposed to being by
himself. So as he circled the curves of his bowl for the tenth time, he thought of a way to
get out and get to his friends in the bowl next to his.
Through the glass of his bowl, Gordon saw his friends swimming peacefully in
their wet sanctuary, no signs of trouble or turmoil in their eyes. They were not worried
about being alone nor did they care that they were all together; they were just enjoying
their time to swim. Almost desperate for the attention, Gordon began looking for a way
over and noticed that the bowl had a hole in the top that could potentially offer a way to
the other side.
Then, an idea came to him, if he swam fast enough and had enough force, he
could launch himself to the other side of the table and land in the bowl and be with the
others. It was dangerous since, if he missed, he would land outside the bowl and likely
suffocate from the lack of water.
“No reward comes without some kind of risk.” Gordon thought to himself.

2. So he started swimming laps around his bowl, slowly gathering momentum and
picking up speed. His eyes keeping an eye on his target, the freedom from his isolation
and chance to be with his friends.
Faster and faster he went, fighting against the resistance that was trying to prevent
him from his goal. He kept pushing himself, never giving up no matter how much the
water was trying to stop him. He wouldn’t be denied his goal and kept swimming, faster
and faster. Finally, he had the speed he needed and began his launch attempt. He sped to
the bottom of his bowl and gave a mighty push towards the surface.
“SPLOOSH”
Gordon had flung himself from the water of his bowl and was now in the air
between the two bowls. As he rose, he saw his destination below him and began guiding
himself towards it. He felt gravity begin to reject his attempts at freedom and began to
fall. The bowl was just a little further and Gordon started to feel as though he might not
make it. No, he wouldn’t be denied his goal. With a great effort, Gordon aimed himself
towards the bowl with all his might.
“PLOINCK”
He had done it. He had reached his goal of being with the others and a wave of
satisfaction washed over him.
“Hey guys! I made it!” Gordon said to the others.
“Oh great…Gordon is here,” grumbled one of the fish. “Just what we didn’t
want.”
“Whatever… Good job, I guess.” mumbled another one.
“Well, I’m glad that at least you aren’t dead.” chimed in a third.

3. “Mm…” grunted the fourth fish.
While the response wasn’t what he expected, Gordon was pleased that he didn’t
give up in his effort to achieve what he wanted, even if the end result wasn’t the best and
all forces seemed to be against him. He set out to do what he wanted to do, beat the odds,
and was ready to accept the results head on.
Ever since his jump, Gordon has enjoyed his time in the new bowl with his
friends and, ignoring the occasional negative comment, has been having a great life since.