Inside the Pocket (Part 2 of "A Turtle in My Pocket")

(This is the second and last part of a story I made up for my kids during one of our telling-stories-before-we-sleep bonding time. We have two versions of the ending, one of which depends on how gory can you get with your kids, and this one I thought of as prodded by my second kid Maria Clayre during one of the many repeats of my telling this story to them. So please read on... )

Part 2 - The Turtle Inside the Pocket

On the way to school, Hedo was full of excitement and anticipation. "Wait till they see this turtle in my pocket!", he thought. And he kept on petting his pocket just to assure himself that it is still there.

When he arrived, his friends were not outside but were already in their classroom. He rushed inside only to find out that their teacher was also already there. So he did not bring out the turtle yet but planned to do it during their recess time. And thus, the turtle remained inside his pocket for a time.

The poor turtle was so afraid. It was too dark inside Hedo's pocket. And for a time, it dared not venture bringing out its head. Also, the consistent petting of Hedo alarmed it now and then.

"It's too dark and cold in here. What is Hedo going to do about me?" the turtle thought as it took a little peep from its shell.

"Hmmm. And what is that smell?" the turtle said, noticing for the first time the aroma of the bacon sandwich with it inside the pocket. But still, its head remained inside its shell.

For a time, fearful that it was but its curiosity being pricked more and more, the smell slowly overcame the turtle. Little by little, it extended its neck for all its length.

"Aha, it's a sandwich indeed!", it whispered seeing the wrapped food.

Unable to hold itself from the temptation, the turtle decided right there and then, unmindful now of Hedo's petting, to have a bite. "And it's my favorite, too! Bacon bits!", it said.

The turtle thought that Hedo had put the food inside the pocket for it to eat. And bite after bite it went until the turtle ate all of it. And with glee, it declared while licking its lips, "Hmmm! That was the best food I have ever tasted!".

Right after its last bite, the school bell sounded, announcing the time for recess. And Hedo, realizing that he had not eaten breakfast earlier, felt his hunger and forgot all about his turtle. "It's good that mom prepared me a sandwich with my favorite bacon bits", Hedo thought while running towards the canteen.

Arriving at the canteen. one of his friends asked Hedo what he brought for his merienda. And he proudly replied that his mom made him his favorite sandwich. Hedo was so hungry that he did not even think of showing his turtle to his friends anymore as he planned to do all along.

Readily, Hedo put his hand in his pocket, and felt for his food but felt the turtle instead. Alas, but his sandwich was gone! And right there, he realized that he had put his sandwich in the same pocket as he did with his turtle, and knew it then that it had eaten his sandwich.

Hedo was so angry. And in his anger and hunger, he did realized his mistake. He wished that he had listened to his mom earlier and did not bring the turtle to school.

Thus, went the recess time, with Hedo, losing his sandwich, not able to eat anything at all. He was so disappointed with his turtle and himself at the same time.

And that ends our story, kids.

(After this, as usual in storytelling to kids, do not forget this, the lesson of the story.)

And the lessons of the story are -

• Always listen to your mom. Whatever she tells you, it is for your own good.
• Eat your breakfast. You are not sure when you can eat next.
  

(I hope you enjoyed the story as well as my kids. As I have said, this is better told than written. Storytelling is at its best with all the voice characterization and actions. Go on, tell the story to your kids and feel free to alter or add things to your heart's desire. You know your kids better.

As I have said, there are two versions of the ending. Here's the second one, but be aware that this is not for the weakhearted, so proceed at your own risk.)

A Bizzare Ending
(My kids thought this very funny!)

In his anger, finding that the turtle had eaten all his sandwich, Hedo brought it out and showed it to his friends and ate it. Finding that the turtle tasted even better that his favorite bacon bits.

******

For posterity, while I had been writing this, indeed my son Hedo had two turtles as pets. At first, as most kids are for new things, he was so fond of them. But, as most thing are, he later grew tired of them, too. Here are the pictures of his turtles ...





Also, while I was writing this blog, we found two other turtles right in front of our gate in a span of three weeks. Where they came from and who owned them before us, up to today, we do not know. Also, we have no idea what kind of turtles they are. Here are also the pictures....