The bell above the pet store door jingled. Glass tanks lined the walls — fish, hamsters, birds. But at the very back, Alora saw something else.
A tiny turtle tapped its claw against the glass. Even whispered, "It looks sad." Alora's lower lip trembled. She asked the shopkeeper if they could adopt it.
The shopkeeper nodded and wrapped the turtle in a soft towel. Alora carried the bundle all the way home, careful with every step.
Alora and Even built a new tank with sand and rocks. They placed lettuce on the edge. Shelly hid under a stone and did not come out.
Alora tapped the glass. Benji whined and nudged her hand. She looked at Shelly, still hidden, and thought — this isn't a home. Shelly needs a real pond.
They got permission. Alora, Even, and Benji packed a box and headed out. The woods smelled of pine. The trees thinned, and then — a sparkling pond.
Even bounced ahead, grinning. Alora clutched the box to her chest. Her breath caught. She stepped onto the mossy bank.
Alora set Shelly at the water's edge. The turtle paused, then slowly stepped in. She swam a few feet, then turned and looked back.
Benji barked happily. Alora smiled — a wide, bright smile. She whispered, "Goodbye, Shelly." The turtle dipped below the surface.
They hiked back as the sun warmed their faces. Benji trotted between them. Alora squeezed Even's hand, and they both smiled.
Every weekend, they returned. Alora always carried one smooth stone. She placed it at the pond's edge — a gift for Shelly.
The pond was quiet. The trees whispered. Somewhere beneath the surface, Shelly swam. And Alora knew — that was exactly where she belonged.