Iris and froggies

Iris sits under a green leaf and watches froggies splashing in the pond. She is the youngest and tiniest in her large snail family. She spends her whole life here – in a small garden near the pond. There is a large stone house with a terrace nearby. Some people live there. They look after the garden and sometimes relax by the pond. In winter, snails sleep in the fallen leaves, and in summer, they feast on sweet apples and carrots. Iris is afraid of everything that surrounds her. It is not because someone insults her; she is just used to feeling helpless. The best thing she has is her shell, which protects her from everything that could harm her. But lately, Iris thinks more and more often that somewhere out there, beyond the shell, there is a big unknown world. What is it like? Is it dangerous and threatening, or friendly and welcoming? These thoughts are Iris’s greatest fear, but she cannot shake them off. “I want to see this world. If I don’t, I’ll never know the truth,” Iris thinks and looks out from under the leaf.

“I’ll be friendly and nice,” Iris tells herself. Aunt Lila reads her fairy tales every evening. In these books, all of Iris’ favorite characters are very polite and pleasant. She comes closer to the froggies and smiles: “Hello, how are you? I’m Iris, and I really want to get to know you.” The froggies stop and look at Iris and then at each other. “Hello, Iris, we are Leaper and Croakella. Come to us and let’s play together. We compete to see who can make the biggest number of splashes. It’s a great fun!” says Leaper. Iris is very happy. It seems to her that this world is friendly and gentle. She is only a newcomer here, and is the world is ready to accept her. But suddenly, her joy turns into despair. She can’t jump or swim!!!  Iris’s eyes fill with tears of helplessness and frustration. Leaper and Croakella look at each other again. “Listen, Iris, can you be a judge? We can’t figure out which of us jumps higher and makes more splashes. You will watch us and give us advice, OK?” Croakella says. Iris is very happy: “Yes, of course. Observing carefully is exactly what I know how to do better than anyone in the world!”

This day is full of joy and new impressions. Iris comes back home. She is tired, but happy. In the afternoon, she smiles dreamily and plans her next day. In the evening, Aunt Lila comes into her room to read a fairy tale. “What happens, Iris? You’re just glowing with happiness today,” Aunt Lila asks, looking at Iris with interest. “I am determined and brave today. Besides, now, I have friends, – answers Iris, – They’re not like us at all, but they’re so nice and friendly!” Aunt Lila smiles: “Those around us don’t have to be the same as we are. If we’re all the same, we can’t learn anything from each other. I’m so happy for you, and I’m sure you’ll be a very good friend. It would be nice if your new friends could come over for dinner. Do not forget to ask them what they like, and I’ll cook some goodies for you.”

Before going to bed, Iris opens her diary to write down what happened during the day. She does not have any special secrets; she simply keeps her memories and feelings there. From time to time, she flips through its pages, and the events of the past come to life like an episode from a movie. Iris describes her meeting with new friends, closes the diary and puts it under the pillow. She sleeps and dreams of shining water droplets flying over the surface of the pond and shimmering in the sunlight. She is sure that she will become the happiest snail in the world!