A Little Turtle Called Muddle

There was a little turtle and his name was Muddle because at times he got confused could not remember if he was a tortoise or a turtle. Had Muddle been brought up in the wild he would not have been confused, but he was brought up in captivity and now he was not sure what he was suppose to be. Now Muddle lived a sheltered life. He had no friends or playmates to keep him company. Then one day in his glass cage, his owners put in someone new. Now he had someone to talk to. The newcomer stayed in his shell afraid to come out. He felt safe in there, thinking no one could see him when he was tucked inside his shell. Muddle moved up to him and nudged him with his shell. “Have you gone to sleep in there? ” Muddle asked as turtles do. “Come on out, no one is going to hurt you.” The stranger poked his head out and gave a look around. “Who are you? ” he asked. “My name is Muddle. What is your name? ” “My name is Timmy because I’m rather timid.” After their introductions, Muddle and Timmy settled in for a long chat. They talked to on another between little snacks, from sunrise to sunset. Now Muddle had his company, someone he always wanted, and Timmy had a friend too. They both lived together happily and as they grew older Muddle found he wasn’t Muddle at all. As it turned out Muddle was not Muddle, But Marianne. He was not a boy, but a little girl. Now Marianne and Timmy live together happily. They are hoping for the patter of little feet in the not to distant future as they start their family and live happily ever after. 6 - 7 May 2008