Leo the little turtle loved playing in the sand. He loved building castles and digging for shiny pebbles. But Leo did *not* love swimming. Every time his mama suggested a dip in the cool, blue water, Leo would pull his head and legs into his shell. “It’s too splashy!” he’d say. “It’s too wiggly!”
One sunny afternoon, a friendly fish named Finley swam up to Leo. Finley noticed Leo always stayed near the edge of the water, watching all the other little turtles and fish having fun. “Why aren’t you swimming, little turtle?” Finley asked kindly.
Leo peeked out of his shell. “I… I’m scared,” he whispered. “What if I wobble? What if I go upside down? What if I can’t do it?”
Finley smiled. “Everyone wobbles when they first learn! I wobbled too! And going upside down is just a silly way to see the world from a different angle. I’ll help you, Leo. I promise.”
Finley gently nudged Leo into the shallowest part of the water. “Just kick your little legs,” Finley instructed. “And let the water hold you.” Leo was still nervous, but he tried. He kicked, and… he floated! It wasn’t perfect, he wobbled a little, but he didn’t sink!
Finley swam beside Leo, encouraging him. “That’s it! You’re doing great! Now try paddling with your front legs.” Leo paddled, and he moved forward! He giggled. It *was* fun!
They swam around and around in the shallow water, Finley showing Leo how to blow bubbles and glide. Leo wasn’t scared anymore. He was laughing and splashing and having the best time. He even tried going upside down – and it *was* silly!
When it was time to go home, Leo thanked Finley. “I never thought I could swim,” he said. “But you helped me be brave.”
“You were brave all along, Leo,” Finley replied. “You just needed a friend to show you how much fun it could be.” Leo snuggled close to his mama, feeling happy and proud. He couldn’t wait to swim again tomorrow. And he knew, even if he wobbled, he could always try his best, and that was all that mattered.