From the day he comes to life. He heard of stories of predators hunting and killing turtles and the world outside is not safe for him. How hawks pick while flying and kill them to eat. How his many brothers and sisters killed in the hands of predators waiting for them to come outside. Mamma told him to be cautious and if he senses any danger hide into the shell.

He gets anxious and fearful. He gets into his shell as soon he saw someone come near him. The whole day he plays hide-and-seek with himself.

Mamma watches him hiding and not coming outside of his shell except to eat. She asks him to come under the sun and dive into the water.

“But, I fear,” he said.

“That’s life. It starts from the moment you face your fear.”