TORTOISES

TORTOISES


These are the 2 family pet in the house. The younger brother cares for them, Serene and Grace are terrified of them, Doro likes them, and I am neutral about them (except that they can stink quite powerfully at times).






The both of them used to be so tiny and innocent and cute; all small and fragile, with a small tiny shell on the back. They used to be so small, that I can easily pick them up across the shell by using the thumb and index finger. A couple of years back, if I felt for any cheap entertainment, I would set them loose to roam the house and let them crawl across my palm just for the fun of it. They were so light and crawly. The sensation is really nice and ticklish. However, the only reward I've ever received for allowing them to crawl across my palm is a piece of poo. Talk about bad timing!

Now, they've grown so much. So much so that just imagining them crawling across the palm sends jitters down my spine. They are so big that I no longer find them cute. Rather, nowadays, I think they look delicious instead. Grow any bigger, and it'll be tough looking for a pot big enough to make turtle tortoise soup.


Anyway, did I mention that both Serene and Grace are absolutely terrified of the tortoises? They were not, initially. But thanks to Mum and Aunt (you naughty somemore, you naughty somemore? Tortoise come out and bite your butt, then you know!), they are now conditioned to be. The both of them used to be so friendly to the 2 reptiles; they would squat beside the container and stare at them exploringly with child-like curiousity.

Oh well, sometimes, it is really amazing at how fast children pick things up (Grace picked up the trademark action just after a couple of weeks staying here. It was truly not my intention to teach her that. I was just doing it out of fun and habit. I was more surprised [albeit pleasantly] than anybody when she started doing the trademark action). More amazing of all, is the powerful effect that words can bring about. The 2 girls are now so afraid of the tortoises that they simply refuse to be anywhere near them!

Anyway, I'm trying to undo the effects. It's easier to start with Grace, because she is still small and tiny at 18-months old. It is just a matter of carrying her in my arms; and she'll have no where to escape.

It's obvious that she's terrified of them. Whenever I carry her on my arms and squat down directly beside the container, she would hug me tightly and bring herself as close as possible to my chest, all the time while muttering, "Pa (scared)... Pa (scared)..". I always reply by encouraging her not to be, because Jie Jie is around, and Jie Jie is carrying her. She is protected, and there's nothing to be afraid of. But with her currently limited linguistic capability, I doubt she understands.

In the end, it seems like it's best to do it her way; her level; her language. "Grace, Grace. Wu gui (tortoise). Hello! Hello, wu gui, hello!", and I waved at the 2 reptiles with faked enthusiasm. Sometimes, this makes me feel so silly. But Grace always imitates me. Most of the time, she would say "Hello" too, and wave at them. And when it's time to go (because my legs are getting numb from all the squatting; what more with having to support Grace's weight), I'll say, "Byebye, wu gui, bye! Grace. Wu gui, byebye!" and I'll wave again. Predictably, she does the same thing too.

Maybe, it's getting a bit overboard. Grace is starting to wave hello and goodbye even to cars! Oh my goodness. She loves to stand by the windows (which stretches from the floor to the ceiling), and stare at the passing vehicles. Today, however, just an hour ago, I caught my dear girl saying, "Che che (cars)... Bye bye...". Yes, with that little wave of hers. Oh my goodness!

Anyway, the 2 girls will be staying here from today until this Tuesday! I'll be having so much fun with them!