Down in the ocean, where the sunlight can glisten on the sand, lives a very happy kelp named Kevin. Kevin has lived his entire life in the same spot he grew up in. Swaying back and forth, moving with the current and always rooted in one place.

He is known as the friendliest neighbor on the seafloor and has many friends of all shapes and sizes; big, small, colorful and dull. Famous in the neighborhood for giving the best hugs and being the most reliable friend because he’ll always be there whenever they need him. 

One day, he sees a school of fish and watches them in awe as they swim in circles, playing and having fun. 

“Jumping Jellyfish, there are so many of you!” he says. 

The littlest fish of the group swims by and says happily, “This is my family! Where is yours, Kevin?” 

Suddenly, Kevin became overwhelmed with confusion and sadness and says, “I don’t think I have a family, little one. It's always been just me.” 

“Oh, don’t be silly Kevin. I’ve seen plenty of kelp like you. More than you can ever imagine!” said the little fish. 

Kevin quickly sprung up with joy. “You have? Oh, tell me! Please tell me where they are!” 

“It's called the Kelp Forest in the oceans of Northern California, not too far from here!” Said the little fish .

“The Kelp Forest...” He says slowly. “It sounds like majestic and magical place. I've been alone all my life so I can’t imagine what a forest of us would be like.” 

“Oh but it is! These kelp grow to be 100 feet tall! You should go. What an adventure it would be!” The littlest fish quickly swims away to rejoin the group. 

That night, Kevin thoughts stirred, dreaming of the Kelp Forest and imagining what his cousins, aunts, and uncles would look like. "Are they big? Are they small? Are they anything like me at all?" 

“A family. Something I’ve only dreamed about my whole life. But I've never left home before... Do I go and leave everything that I’ve known behind? What if they don’t like me?... My friends, what will they do without me?”

Shelly the sea snail overheard his thoughts and came up to him with comforting words. 

“Kevin, friends are like family and we will always be here for you... but finding your true family and a sense of belonging is something special. You should find them... only when you’re ready.” 

With these words of encouragement, Kevin uprooted himself to let the current take him.

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