He was a Turtle

 

 

        He was old and lived in this lake all his years.  He was familiar with the rocks, the bottom and the sandy areas.  He knew where the tasty reeds were and where his children and grandchildren played. 

        The years had caused him to slow down.  He was always tired and seldom missed an opportunity to climb upon the downed tree.  He loved the warmth of the sun and often just fell asleep while listening to the birds singing.

        His wife, of so many years, was never far from his side.  Lately, she’d been concerned that he’d been running out of gas so often.  She just knew something wasn’t right.  Even his little turtle jokes had lost their spark.  He didn’t seem to laugh much anymore.   His left front flipper had been bothering him, even though he never complained, she could tell.

        Last Saturday, when a shaft of sunlight had awakened her, she said to herself, this s a sign.  She swam over to her husband and told him he had no choice anymore; he was going in for a checkup.  I’ve made an appointment for you at the Shell station on the corner.