L5.+Childrens+Story

Rin had successfully carved out the shells, but it had taken him many days. He was always tired but determination to protect his family kept him working.

He called his family together to show how they will be protected from their enemies. Rin covered himself in the shell to show how it works. His daughter giggled as he disappeared under, and moved slowly under the weight. An asked “that’s very nice but can you see?”

Rin came from under the shell and rubbed his head, “I didn’t really think of that.” Rin turned to the shell and thought of what to do.

After several more days he thought of a perfect idea, he then called to his family once more. “I may have come up with something, our neck can stretch when we,”//CROAK”//so instead of blowing them out we stretch them forward.//”// Chun looked at her husband doubtful, “Well we can try, you have always kept us safe.”

Rin handed his children a shell special made in patterns of fallen leaves and his wife, the color of the bottom of their home. Once the frogs had their shells on they began to stretch their necks forward.

They tried unsuccessfully for many moons, until Fai had his neck far enough for him to see. He shouted to everyone “Hey, I did it! I can see!” Without thinking Rin pushed his head out to look at his son, then realizing what he did he turned to his wife. As he turned her head popped out and then An’s. Overjoyed Rin exclaimed “We did it! We now have protection and it will always be with us.”

Days had passed since the family of frogs made their new armor and life was easier. One day the hawk Enlai came swooping down to get another meal but as he came down he hit the shell and chipped his beak. Squalling in pain he flew away but returned days later.

He landed near the turtles and said “I watched as you carved your shells, laughing to myself thinking they would never help. But, I learned the hard way that I was wrong. It took much patience, so all the time I have been wondering what I should call you for you sure are not frogs, no you are turtles for your patience.” He then flew away and left the new named turtles to live in peace for the rest of their days.