Ellie the eel was a very wiggly, very slippery little eel. She lived in a beautiful coral reef, but tonight, Ellie couldn't find a good place to sleep! She tried to wiggle into a big clam shell, but it was too bumpy. She tried to curl up inside a sea anemone, but it tickled too much!
Ellie sighed. “Oh dear,” she wiggled, “I just want a cozy place to rest my head.” She swam past Finley the fish, who was already tucked into his seaweed bed. “Finley,” she called, “Do you know where a little eel can sleep?”
Finley blinked his sleepy eyes. “Hmm,” he said. “You’re a very bendy eel, Ellie. Maybe you could try the Coral Castle! Old Man Tiber, the turtle, is always happy to share a space.”
Ellie thanked Finley and zoomed towards the Coral Castle. But the castle was very busy! Crabs were scuttling, starfish were twinkling, and everyone seemed to have a perfect sleeping spot. Ellie felt a little sad. She didn’t fit anywhere!
She found Old Man Tiber slowly munching on some seagrass. “Excuse me, Mr. Tiber,” Ellie said shyly. “Finley said maybe… maybe I could sleep near you, but I’m a very wiggly eel and I don’t want to bother anyone.”
Old Man Tiber smiled a wrinkly smile. “Nonsense, little one! Being wiggly is what makes you *you*! And sometimes, even old turtles need a little wiggle in their lives.” He pointed to a small space under his shell. “There’s plenty of room here. You can curl up right there.”
Ellie wiggled under Old Man Tiber’s shell. It was perfect! It was cozy, and safe, and just the right amount of snuggly. “Thank you, Mr. Tiber!” she said happily.
“You’re very welcome, Ellie,” Old Man Tiber replied. “Remember, it’s always okay to ask for help when you need it. And it’s wonderful to be yourself, even if you’re a very wiggly eel!”
Ellie closed her eyes, feeling warm and safe. She wiggled one last little wiggle, then drifted off to sleep, dreaming of coral castles and kind old turtles. And as she slept, she knew that even a wiggly eel could find the perfect place to rest.