He can not forgive this past week as easily as Eric. I don't answer but read the road signs so that I don't miss the turn. Teddy carries the box close to his chest as we walk the short distance from the road to the water. I smell green growth, brown decay. It is dark quiet, still aired.
Tree branches arch high over head, a cathedral dome.
Teddy notices other turtles sunning on a log at the edge of the pond. His face brightens. I nod my head yes. Teddy puts the box down. I lift the turtle out and place it in the soft mud and leaves at the edge of the pond.