Maybe I’m too small, thought Koala. She was on the hunt for a new place to rest her head after one of the big mean Koala guys kicked her out of her favorite tree again. Maybe small Koalas shouldn’t climb trees.
Finally she found a hollow little rock that seemed to fit her just right. She climbed in and rolled up into a furry little ball. Just for a moment to let my tiny eyes get some rest, she thought. This cave is oddly soft and warm, and it feels so nice.
"Hello, Grey One", said Turtle.
"The rock moves! And it talks!", Koala exclaimed. Her ears wiggled nervously.
"I’m not a rock", said Turtle, "I'm a turtle. And you’re in my shell."
Koala blinked once. And then blinked again. Then she said, "I’m awfully sorry, Mister Turtle. I didn’t mean to disturb you! I just needed a moment you see."
Turtle turned around and Koala saw his face for the first time. He smiled a gentle, toothless smile. "It’s quite okay. You are soft and warm and I rarely get visits. I’m sorry I startled you." He paused, frowned, and asked, "Who are you? I’ve never seen a creature like you, and you look quite particular."
Koala blushed, but her fur concealed it well. "I’m a Koala. We usually live in trees, so you might not see us very often from the ground. We don’t move much."
"I see", said Turtle. "But I’m not a tree, you see. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy your company, but I’m afraid I’m not very tall, and the view from inside my shell can’t compare, I fear."
Koala looked downtrodden. "I know, but the big Koalas up in the trees always kick me out. I can’t ever just rest for a few minutes without someone taking my spot."
Turtle smiled again. "Well, in that case, I’m happy to host you for however long you need. Make yourself at home." He yawned. "I’m a little tired. I’ll get back to sleep if that’s okay."
Koala curled up again and wiggled her butt a little to find a nice spot for it on Turtle’s back. Finally, she sighed, "Thank you, Mister Turtle. You are quite nice", but she already heard him snoring again, so she closed her eyes.
After a few minutes, if you listened closely from outside the shell, you could hear the gentle breathing of two tiny creatures who were no longer alone.