The Trouble with Fibbles.
Gracie had always been taught to be polite, to remember her manners when someone was over, or she was out visiting, to always say 'please' and 'thank you'. She was also taught not to lie. Well, that lesson was harder than the others.
It wouldn't have been a problem, if she hadn't been in that wrong place at that wrong time; but she was, and she had panicked.
This is the story about how Gracie told her first lie…
It was a cool autumn day, and Gracie was wandering around the zoo. She decided to visit Marlene, but when she reached the habitat, it was empty.
I'm sure Marlene shan't be too long, she thought, as she entered the cave. She looked around, gazing at all the things Marlene had collected over the years. She went over and peered at an unusual looking vase.
"It's very pretty," she murmured, taking in all the detail on the greeny-blue ornament. "I wonder where she got it from. I'll have to ask her." She was about to turn to leave when she noticed a black smudge on the vase. "Well that won't do at all!" She gently picked up the vase, and rubbed it firmly with her flipper - perhaps a little too firm – and it slipped from her flippers.
The crash and tinkle of glass shattering was the worst sound for Gracie right at that moment. She stared at her empty flippers, then at the floor. Glass was everywhere.
"Oh, pickles!" she cried. At that moment, Marlene came through the cave entrance.
"Gracie? What are yo doing here?" She then noticed the broken vase on the floor. "Did you break this?" she gasped.
Gracie panicked, and said the first thing that came to her head.
"N-no, I didn't," she lied. "I-I… I heard the crash while I was walking past your habitat, and thought I should investigate!" She sighed with relief when Marlene's previously stern expression softened.
"Alright, then," Marlene replied. "Don't look so scared, Grace, you didn't break it."
"I-I can help clean it up!" Gracie quickly offered.
"No need," Marlene smiled. "You should go home now; I'm sure Private's wondering where you are."
Gracie nodded, and ran out of the cave as fast as she could. She glanced at the clock.
Oh no! I'm later than I should be!
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