There was once an exquisite meadow where beautifully painted trees loomed overhead, lush grass soft as swan’s-down underfoot, and the soft babble of a nearby stream filled the land. Although this utopia was quite lovely and tranquil, there was a very shy turtle who never quite managed to fit in among the other jovial, chipper creatures. The turtle was isolated, confused, and much too timid to attempt befriending others. She was sure everyone resented her for who she was, therefore, the poor turtle forced herself to become someone all the other girls would want to be friends with. The turtle received the girls' friendships, but those girls had befriended an illusion, someone the turtle wished she could be. Then one day, the turtles only friend, had realized the change in her. The Sheltie dog was very patient and insightful. She realized the reason as to why the turtle was so different, and so she questioned, “Why change in order to make friends? Why become someone you know you are not? What good are those friends if they do not like your true self?” the turtle ignored the question, not seeing any point in becoming lonely again and so different from everyone else. The turtle carried on with her façade. But as she pretended to care about someone’s hair, care about their clothes, pretend to laugh at someone’s unamusing joke, pretend to care about the mall or worrying over being invited to a party, she found herself more fake, pathetic, and lonely than ever.

“Why am I always unable to fit in?” the empty turtle cried aloud. But there was no answer to her problems. Was it better to be an outsider and be herself and envy everyone who was surrounded by friends? Or be the one surrounded by friends but feel pitiful for not being herself?
Moral- “Do not hide behind the illusion of who you wish to be, or you will lose sight of who you once were.”