Red Slider

Benjamin took one last look at the leathery old lizard and the small girl turtle teetering on its peeling back. Then, he turned into the weeds and scurried away. Behind him, he heard Cleo sniffle. Horatio urged him onward. "Run like the wind! Never look back!"

Benjamin ran. He looked straight ahead and moved his legs in a steady rhythm. I've got to make it, he thought. The other turtles need me. But run as he might, it was only minutes before he felt the familiar thud, thud, thud of Emlee's feet pounding the ground behind him. Her warm fingers wrapped around his shell, unraveling his hope. I'll never get back, he thought. His heart flooded with despair.

Emlee turned and walked over to the lake, holding Benjamin close to her warm body. The tall tuleg wrapped an arm around her, and they both lowered themselves to the ground next to the water. What are they going to do to me? Benjamin thought. They must be angry that I tried to escape.