Lucky Duck

This story is for a young man named Anderson (12). He knows who he is. And he knows why I’m writing.

Once upon a time, there was a duck named Lucky. He was small and white with a bright yellow bill, and he was born missing one leg.

Lucky was unable to walk on land, but he could swim. In fact, Lucky never left the water. He couldn’t. Thus, while other ducks were on land, doing duck things, eating berries and acorns, Lucky stayed in the water, watching from afar.

He never understood why his mama named him Lucky. It was a weird name for a duck that wasn’t like other ducks. All his brothers and sisters had normal duck names like Donald, and Daffy, and AFLAC.

Lucky wished so badly that he could walk on two legs, like the others. Instead, whenever he tried to venture from the water, he could only hobble a single step, then collapse from exhaustion. Then he’d wiggle back into the water with shame.

One day, Lucky met a turtle named Billy. Billy was a baby turtle with no front legs. Billy was sitting onshore, watching Lucky swim.

“Swimming looks like fun,” Billy called out. I wish I could swim. But alas, I am a mud turtle, and mud turtles are not great swimmers even WITH all their legs. But without front legs, all I can do is sink to the bottom. Alas, all I can do is scoot along the floor of the forest.”

Lucky replied, “I wish I could scoot like you. But alas, all I can do is swim.”

“Alas,” said Billy.

“Alas,” said Lucky.

Then they both said it together.

That’s when Lucky had an idea.

“Hey, I know!” said Lucky. “Would you like to climb on my back and go for a swim?”

Billy was excited by this suggestion. It took some doing, but the little tortoise climbed onto Lucky’s back. Soon, they were in the water, Billy was having the time of his little amphibious life.

“Swimming is amazing!” said Billy.

“If you think this is fun,” said Lucky, “watch this!” Then he told Billy to hold his breath.

Lucky dove beneath the water. Billy held on tightly, digging his claws into Lucky’s soft down feathers. They swam like this for hours. It was a blast.

“You’re amazing!” said Billy.

“If you think THAT’S fun,” said Lucky, “you haven’t seen anything yet!”

Then he told Billy to hold on tight.

With that, Lucky flapped his wings and, splashing up water. Soon, both duck and turtle rose into the air, taking flight. They soared over treetops, staring down at Earth below.

“This is the best day of my life!” said Billy.

And even though Lucky didn’t say it, he kind of felt the same.

When their flying and swimming ended, Lucky placed Billy back on the shore.

Then, Billy had an idea. He scooted off into the underbrush and returned with fresh acorns for lunch. Lucky had never tasted acorns before. They were delicious.

“ACORNS ARE AMAZING!” said Lucky.

“If you think these are good,” said Billy, “wait until you try berries.”

Whereupon Billy scurried away and gathered berries, one at a time, delivering them to Lucky one by one.

“You’re incredible,” said Lucky. “You’re able to find so many wonderful things to eat in the forest. I wish I could do that.”

“Me?” said Billy. “I’m not incredible. YOU’RE incredible! You can swim, dive, and—hello?—you can fly. I wish I could do those things.”

And from that day onward, together they could. Because to have a real friend is to be Lucky indeed.