Turtle & Goat: Sharing Feelings With A Friend

Turtle and Goat are the very best friends. They play, read, and share adventures, always so much to do! But Goat had not heard from Turtle in a day or two.

“Where is Turtle?” Goat asked herself. “Why haven’t I heard from him in days? I'd better give him a call to see what he says.”

Turtle answered Goat’s call right away. “Turtle!” said Goat, “I am worried about you. Are you okay?”

“I guess I am all right,” Turtle answered quietly. “I mean, maybe so. Goat, the truth is I don’t really know.”

Goat suddenly felt scared, “Are you sick? Not well? Turtle, what is going on? Please share. You are so dear to me; I hope you know how much I care.”

Turtle let out a little sigh, “Goat, I don’t know how to say it, but I am feeling sad. I know sometimes I feel bad or even mad. But these past few days, I have been a little sad.”

Goat understood right away and knew what she had to do. Because Goat had times when she was sad, too.

“Oh, Turtle, I sometimes feel like you do too. Whenever I get sad, Mama Goat tells me that I am feeling blue.”

Turtle let out a sigh of relief! “You mean it’s not just me? You feel this way at times, too?” he asked.

“No, Turtle, it’s not just you. We all have times when we get a little sad and blue. I won’t tell you how to feel, and I’m not sure of what to do. But you are my dearest friend, and I love you!” exclaimed Goat.

Turtle replied, “Just talking to you is helping me, and I love you too. I felt so sad this morning that I even cried.”

“Crying isn’t a bad thing,” Goat said. “Turtle, we all cry at times, it’s true. Especially when you’re feeling blue. Sharing our feelings is healthy and good! I promise I’ll always listen, just like a best friend should.”

Turtle talked for twenty minutes or more. Goat listened carefully, with her ears and her heart. That’s what good friends do: they listen whether they're near or far apart. Good friends never judge, they just help see you through. 

Friendship isn’t just for good times and fun. A friend who stays with you through the bad and sad times is true. We all deserve a friend like that. Or maybe even two.

Turtle began to talk and share, and Goat listened carefully because she cares. 

After talking, Turtle suddenly felt so much better, it was true. “You helped me so much, Goat! How can I ever thank you?”

As Goat answered, she began to smile, “That makes my heart so happy, Turtle. I’m always so glad for you. You are my bestest best friend, it’s the least I could do. Maybe tomorrow you can come over to play! How does that sound, Turtle? What do you say?”

“Oh, Goat, that sounds like a great idea, indeed! What if I bring over some cake that we share with some tea?” Turtle said, "Thank you so much Goat, I am sure by tomorrow, It'll be just what we need."

The truth is, a best friend brings us so much love. They make us feel warm inside, like the sun. A friend who is true will always listen to you. In good times, silly times, and whenever you’re feeling blue.

Turtle will never forget this important lesson now that he knows. Sharing feelings and listening to others helps our hearts grow!