One sunny morning, as he strolled down the farm road to check on his crops, farmer Angus spotted a small creature in the middle of the path. Squinting against the bright sunlight, he bent down and saw a baby turtle inching its way across the dusty road.
“What a cute little turtle!” thought farmer Angus, a smile spreading across his face. “My son Noah would be thrilled to have this little guy as a pet!”
Gently, he picked up the tiny creature and brushed some dirt off its shell with his sleeve. Suddenly, with a soft hiss, the baby turtle pulled itself into its shell, clearly startled.
“Hey, little turtle, I’m not going to hurt you,” chuckled farmer Angus, trying to reassure the shy animal.
“What are you doing out here in the middle of the road?” he asked with curiosity.
Timidly, a small voice emerged from the shell. “I lost my way, and now I can’t find my parents and siblings,” the tortoise confessed with a tinge of sadness.
“Oh dear, that’s a real pity!” said farmer Angus, furrowing his brow with concern. “It’s dangerous out here all alone. I can’t see your family anywhere nearby.”
The baby turtle poked his head out and said softly, “I know. But I’m heading back to the bushes to find them.”
Farmer Angus hesitated, worried for the little turtle. “I don’t think you’re going to be able to find them,” he cautioned. “Come with me! I’ll bring you home to my son, Noah. He loves animals and will care for you like one of his own.”
“But I will miss my family,” replied the little turtle, turning his curious gaze up at the farmer.
“You wouldn’t have to worry,” assured farmer Angus, his tone warm and inviting. “We’ll be your new family, and you’ll never go hungry or feel scared anymore.”
Thinking for a moment, the little turtle finally said, “But I’m well-fed and free in my natural home. I wouldn’t feel truly free in a cage, even if I’m safe. My family and siblings need me just as much.”
Farmer Angus paused, his heart conflicted. He looked at the tiny turtle in his hands and considered the dangers that lay ahead for the little creature. “You know it’s not safe out here. Anything could hurt you. A cow or horse might trample you, or you could fall victim to a hungry crocodile or alligator.”
The baby turtle gave a soft smile. “Thank you for worrying about me, kind sir. But my shell is strong, and I’m used to the ways of my natural home. Take me back, please. I’ll take my chances. My family must be looking for me.”
Farmer Angus sighed, knowing how disappointed his son would be to learn of the turtle he didn’t bring home. But deeper still, Farmer Angus understood the turtle’s words. He knew separation from family was a painful loss that could never be replaced.
“Alright then,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of both sadness and relief. “I believe no one should be separated from their family. You belong with your parents and siblings, not in a cage. I think Noah will understand that this is the right thing to do.”
With utmost care, farmer Angus carried the small turtle to the cool shade of the nearby bushes and gently set him down.
“Farewell, little one,” he said with a kind smile. “I hope you find your family soon.”
The baby turtle looked up at the farmer, its tiny eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, kind sir,” it said with a soft voice before slowly crawling away into the bush.
As farmer Angus stood there, watching the turtle disappear into the undergrowth, he couldn’t stop himself from smiling. Relief washed over him as he realized the importance of his decision—to keep families together and honor the call of nature.
With a light heart and a mind at peace, farmer Angus turned toward his crops and continued his stroll, ready to tell Noah the tale of his encounter with the sweet little turtle.
— Angus Fubara-
Walt Disney
