Alice, the little Terrapin.

by Annabella
(Singapore)

Alice was a gift for my fourteenth birthday this year from a friend. I remember picking her out of all the many terrapins from the pet shop. She was frightened, as she was barely a baby, as the shopkeeper picked her up and put her into a bag with some water.

I lifted the bag to eye level, and smiled at her, & she kept her little eyes fixed on me as she bopped her head. From then on, I knew we were going to be great best friends.

On the way home, I was afraid to keep her in the bag, for I was scared she might get dizzy from the movement. I was concerned for her, & I loved her very much.

Her tank was beautiful. It had blue and white transparent pebbles, and a huge Mediterranean rock in the center of it for her to 'sun tan'. I watched her all day long, sleeping on the rock, and hiding in her favorite corner of her tank.

I fed her small pieces of cabbage and pellet, and I would put her in my palm while watching television and stroke her head. She would close her eyes and rest, listening to the sounds around her.

I've been her friend for hardly twenty-one days, and she passed away today. I miss Alice terribly, for she was a great friend and confidante.

I hope that she's in a better place now.

Rest in peace, Alice.