The Turtle’s Best Friend

Turtles hatch and the turtle family fills the pond. Written for The Writer's Cramp Entry

The Writer's Cramp Entry for 7-19 with 880 Words Prompt was the title.

The Turtle’s Best Friend

“Look, the eggs are hatching!”

Connie lifted her head above the water just as Simon splashed to the surface beside her. Across Turtle Pond, Ms. Myrtle had chosen a warm, sunny place on the grassy bank for her nest several weeks before. The eggs had been safely buried beneath the soil, but now the earth itself seemed to be moving.

At first, it looked as though muddy water was flowing down the hillside. Then Connie blinked.

“Simon,” she whispered, “those aren’t streams of mud.”

“They’re turtles!” Simon exclaimed.

“Oh my! Look at all of them! They’re so tiny!” Connie answered.

Hundreds of tiny hatchlings crawled over one another, their little legs working as fast as they could toward the pond. Each one was no bigger than a cookie, and together they looked like a living river flowing downhill.

Nearby, a human girl knelt quietly with a camera. Every few seconds she smiled and snapped another picture. She stayed perfectly still, careful not to frighten the babies or block their path to the water.

Connie watched in amazement as turtles from every corner of the pond slowly climbed onto the opposite bank. Young turtles, old turtles, and even a few very large turtles stood quietly watching as the hatchlings struggled through the mud and grass toward their first swim.

“I’ve never seen so many turtles in my whole life,” Connie said softly.

“Neither have I,” Simon replied. “Do you think there will be enough room for everyone?”

Connie looked across Turtle Pond. It wasn’t just turtles who called it home. A family of ducks paddled through the cattails. Two graceful swans glided across the water near the reeds. Every afternoon cows wandered down from the neighboring pasture to drink from the cool pond before heading back to the meadow.

“I don’t know,” Connie admitted. “What if the pond gets too crowded?”

The tiny turtles kept coming. Some slipped on wet leaves. Others climbed over little sticks or pebbles that seemed like mountains to them. A few paused only long enough to catch their breath before hurrying onward.

Simon smiled. “They’re very brave. When they’re a little bigger, we can show them the other ponds nearby. Then they’ll have even more places to swim and grow.”

Connie smiled. “That’s a wonderful idea.”

Just then, one of the smallest hatchlings became tangled beneath a long blade of grass. It kicked its tiny feet as hard as it could, but it couldn’t get free. Without thinking, Simon hurried to the shallow edge.

“Hang on!” he called.

Using the edge of his shell, he gently pushed the grass aside until the little turtle wriggled free.

“Thank you,” squeaked the hatchling before hurrying after the others.

Soon more babies reached the water. Some floated uncertainly. Others paddled in tiny circles until they discovered how strong their little legs could be. Connie and Simon swam among them.

“This way,” Connie called kindly. “The water is deeper over here.”

“And there are plenty of tasty water plants growing near those reeds,” Simon added.
The hatchlings happily followed their new friends.

For the rest of the morning, Connie and Simon helped the newcomers learn about their new home. They pointed out sunny logs where turtles loved to rest. They showed them safe hiding places beneath the lily pads. They explained which plants were good to eat and warned them to stay away from snapping turtles. They also reminded them to be careful whenever they climbed onto the bank because not every animal was friendly.

By afternoon, Turtle Pond looked different. Tiny turtle heads bobbed everywhere. Little shells floated across the water like smooth pebbles.

Connie sighed.
“I was worried we’d run out of room.”

Simon looked around. The ducks still floated peacefully. The swans glided gracefully across the open water. The cows stopped by for their usual afternoon drink before wandering back toward the pasture. The pond seemed just as peaceful as it always had.

“I think I understand now,” Simon said.

“Understand what?” Connie asked.

“The pond may feel a little busier,” Simon said with a smile, “but now we have a much bigger family.”

Connie laughed.
“You’re right. The pond didn’t get too small. Our family simply got bigger.”

“I like that,” Simon said.

The little turtles gathered nearby, listening to every word their new friends shared.
As the sun began to set, golden light shimmered across Turtle Pond. The hatchlings floated together, safe at last after the longest journey of their young lives.

Connie looked at Simon. “I’m glad you were here with me today.”

Simon smiled. “The best adventures are always better with your best friend.”

Connie grinned. “Tomorrow, when the sun is shining, let’s go find Ms. Myrtle and tell her all of her babies made it safely to the pond.”

“I’d like that,” Simon replied. Then he was quiet for a moment before asking “Connie… will I always be your best friend?”

Connie smiled the biggest turtle smile she could. “Always.”

Together they watched the newest members of Turtle Pond begin their very first evening. The pond had made room for every one of them—not because it had grown larger, but because hearts that are filled with kindness always have room for one more friend.

The End.