Tommy Tortoise was a very busy little tortoise. He wanted to do *everything* right away! When Mama Tortoise said it was bedtime, Tommy stomped his little feet. “But I want to play! I want to build a tower of pebbles! I want to eat one more yummy dandelion!”
Mama Tortoise smiled gently. “Tommy, everything takes time. Even building a tall tower. And even yummy dandelions are best enjoyed when you’re not rushing.” Tommy didn’t understand. He wanted things *now*! He tried to build his pebble tower, but he kept knocking it over because he was so eager to finish.
Old Man Fitzwilliam, a wise tortoise who lived under the big oak tree, saw Tommy struggling. He slowly walked over. “Having a little trouble, young one?” Tommy sighed. “I want to build a tower, but I’m too slow! And now it’s almost bedtime!”
Old Man Fitzwilliam chuckled. “Being a tortoise means being steady and patient. It’s what makes us special. We don’t rush. We take our time and build things strong.” He showed Tommy how to carefully place each pebble, one at a time. It was slow work, but the tower began to grow.
Tommy realized Old Man Fitzwilliam was right. Taking his time felt…good. He wasn’t frustrated anymore. He was enjoying the feeling of the smooth pebbles in his hands. Soon, the tower was finished! It wasn’t the tallest tower in the world, but it was *Tommy’s* tower, and he was proud.
Mama Tortoise came to admire the tower. “See, Tommy? Patience helped you build something wonderful.” Tommy yawned. He was feeling sleepy now. “I guess being slow isn’t so bad,” he mumbled. “It helped me build my tower, and now I’m ready for bedtime.”
Mama Tortoise tucked Tommy into his cozy moss bed. “That’s right, my sweet tortoise. Being yourself, and being patient, is the best thing of all.” Tommy closed his eyes, dreaming of pebble towers and slow, happy days. He knew that even though he wanted things quickly sometimes, taking his time was a wonderful way to be.