Hector the Shy Lieopleurodon

A Story by Andrew Bolcar

A short story about Hector, a VERY shy lieopleurodon who, afraid to face his fears of social engagement, struggles with loneliness.

Hector

The Shy Liopleurodon

Hector was a very, VERY shy liopleurodon.

When he swam to school with the other liopleurodon's and fish, he always wore his hood up around his face.

In class, he always sat in the back. The FAR back.

He always sat by himself during lunch time.

And when it was time to go home, Hector always swam faster than the others to get home quickly.

Hector was a very, VERY lonely liopleurodon.

One day, Hector paddled up to his mama and asked, “Mama, do I always feel so lonely? I have so many toys play with and books to read, but I always feel a little bit lonely!”

Mama Liopleurodon pulled Hector close, “Hector, liopleurodons were never meant to be alone. We need other liopleurodons to play with, to share with, and to support. We need to be part of not just a family, but of a community.”

“But I am so shy Mama! What can I do?”, Hector asked sadly.

Mama Lio looked down softly at her son. “You will need to be very brave Hector. You need to be brave because though you will make many friends, you will meet other fish and liopleurodons who are unkind. And you will still need to love them too.”

Hector looked away and answered quietly, “I don't know if I am that brave, Mama”.

“I know you are, Hector” and Mama Liopleurodon giving her son a BIG hug. “Now go to sleep. You have another day ahead of you.”

The next day, when Hector swam to school, he wore his hood DOWN and smiled nervously at the other children around him. And they smiled BACK! Hector felt a little braver.

During class, he sat in the the NOT so far back, by Sophie Squid. And when Sophie needed a pencil, Hector was there to help her. And he felt a little bit braver.

Hector asked some kids if he could sit with them during lunch. And though some did NOT seem like they wanted Hector there, Sophie said he could sit next to her. That made Hector feel much braver.

And instead of rushing home, Hector and Sophie swam steadily together, laughing and talking and making plans to play on Saturday afternoon. And Hector did not feel lonely.

Hector would always be a shy lieopleurodon. Being shy was part of who Hector was, it made him special. But because Hector was a shy and BRAVE lieopleurodon, he was no longer a lonely lieopleurodon. And that made Hector and his Mama very, VERY happy.