Amy nervously paced her small living room. Sheldon would arrive in exactly four minutes. She still wasn't sure how she was going to broach the subject of her purchase earlier that day.

At precisely 6:30 pm, Sheldon's signature triple knock sounded at her door, which she promptly answered.

"Hi Sheldon."

"Good evening Amy," Sheldon replied as he set his overnight bag next to the couch.

"I made your favorite tonight."

"Oh goody! Spaghetti with cut up hotdogs and strawberry Quik."

As Sheldon dug in, Amy chewed each bite thoughtfully. He looked so happy. She thought of postponing her news until tomorrow, but that would be impossible with him spending the night. He was going to find out even if she didn't say anything.

"That was yummy, Amy. I brought a few DVDs. I thought we could watch one before bed. Your choice."

"There's something I need to show you first. It's in the bedroom. I bought it this afternoon when I was out shopping with Bernadette."

"Alright. Color me intrigued."

Sheldon followed Amy into her bedroom and looked around. The bed was neatly made with the same quilt. Nothing different there. He scanned her walls and saw the usual pictures. Then he saw it.

In the far corner of her room stood a small stand with an aquarium on top. He peered in and gasped.

"There's a turtle in here!" He studied the creature in wonder. "That looks just like Giuseppe. No, it can't be."

"It is him, Sheldon."

"But how? We saw him over a year ago. How could he have still been available?"

Amy shrugged.

"Amy, why would you bring this reptile into your home? You know what he did to me. I still have the scar to prove it. I'm not sure that I can sleep in the same room as him."

"I bought him because I've been lonely. You have Leonard and Penny; Bernadette has Howard, and the baby will be here soon; and even Raj has Cinnamon. I wanted someone to come home to."

"But why get a turtle, and why this one in particular?"

"Last year when we talked about getting a joint pet and decided on a turtle, we came up with some very good reasons why it was the perfect pet. They don't shed fur, they don't make noise… Plus when I saw him, I felt so bad that he was still there, looking as lonely as I feel."

Sheldon looked from his girlfriend to the turtle. Be supposed he would be safe from the turtle's sharp beak since the aquarium lid appeared to be secure.

"Come here," Sheldon said as he held his arms out to his girlfriend.

Amy happily obliged. They stood together wrapped in each other's arms. Sheldon rested his head atop Amy's and inhaled the scent of her shampoo. After several minutes, Amy pulled away.

"Are you okay with Giuseppe sleeping in here? I can always set his aquarium on the table overnight."

"It's okay. He can stay with us. Isn't that right, Giuseppe?"