I can’t fall asleep right now but I made a little short story about a little prince and his turtles
This is a story about a young prince, his butler, and his cherished turtles.
A butler walks into the prince’s room, on the way to check on his well-being. He notices the little lord sniffling and pursing his lips, as if trying not to break down in tears.
“Whatever could be the problem, young lord?”
The boy struggles to speak, wipes his tears, and sits up slowly whilst looking down.
“Charles is ignoring me..”
The butler stands up with a concerned look.
“Your other turtles are right nearby, aren’t they? See, they are looking at you, waiting to be noticed.”
The young lord stays silent for a short while, wiping his tears yet again.
“I know.. but what will I do if even one of my dear pets feels upset? I can’t leave them alone. Do they need more food? Water? Love? I’m willing to give everything to them.”
The butler looks at Charles. He doesn’t seem too upset, he’s just curious about the world he’s in and wants to explore further.
The prince cries again, “What could I be doing wrong? Am I a bad owner? A bad leader? I want to show even more love to them if I can.”
The butler smiles a little, doting on the young prince.
“You’re already doing a wonderful job, dear prince. Charles is happy enough to explore on his own now. He will come back. Do not worry.”
The young lord wipes his tears and stands up, staying silent again for a short while.
“I hope Charles has a fun trip. Maybe he’ll bring some souvenirs for the other turtles. They’d love some more leaves from the castle’s garden.”
The butler cracks a smile, holding onto the young prince, hugging him tightly while staying silent.
Your mother and father would be quite proud of you. I think you’ll be a fine leader some day.
But that’s not the end of this story.
A few days later the young boy is crying again. The butler walks into the room with a more concerned look this time.
“What happened, young lord?”
The boy, seeming more distraught than before, wipes his tears and stands up.
“I hate Charles!” he cries.
“I hate all of my turtles!” breathing heavily while announcing his distress.
The butler becomes confused and looks at the prince with a concerned expression.
“What happened? Why is every leaf, water bowl, and cage torn or open?”
“Charles didn’t come back.. My other turtles are liars, they don’t come to me anymore. I did so much for them. I gave them food, water, everything they needed or wanted. Why do they all hate me now?”
The butler stays silent for a while.
“What if Charles decided that you’re okay with the others? Maybe the others feel worried about you.”
“They aren’t worried about me. They’re watching me. Just like they’ve always been. They’re too stupid to know. They’re just pets.”
“Even if they are, you did your best. That’s all anyone could do for them. They’ll come back.”
“No they won’t. They’re scared of me. After I ruined their homes, took away their food and water.. they won’t come back to me. I deserve this. As a leader and as an owner, I don’t deserve these turtles.”
The butler stays silent, trying to figure out what to say to the boy.
“Your parents are still proud of you. You have many friends other than the turtles. You have me.”
The boy clenches his fist, trying not to cry again.
“Why do I even have them around me if I can’t even keep the ones I used to?”
“I don’t understand what you mean, young master. What should I do for you?”
“Just go away.. if a future leader like me can’t even keep turtles around me, what could possibly be my worth as a commoner?”
The butler hugs the boy once again, not knowing what to say.
