The author discusses the challenges and concerns of allowing a tortoise to roam freely in a garden, sharing personal anecdotes about the tortoise's past escapes. Bound by high brick walls, the author feels secure yet anxious about the tortoise's hiding skills. The narrative intertwines with a story of the author's eldest son moving back home, emphasizing themes of temporary absences and return. The tortoise's historical escapes, including a notable two-year disappearance, highlight both its resilience and the bond with the family.
I explain that my garden is bounded by high brick walls, safely sealing the tortoise in, but that I too am consumed by fear that he will escape.
For 20 years the tortoise lived in a pen with the farmer's sheepdogs, with a white stripe painted on his back to make him easier to spot whenever he got out.
To him it's just one foiled escape attempt after another. This spring, our oldest son also returned to us: his lease is up, and he has yet to find a new place.
Once he stayed missing for two years, until found in a field a mile south of his last known whereabouts.
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