Near a big, sparkling pond lived two friendly geese, Gigi and Gus. They loved to chat, and their very best friend was a slow-moving tortoise named Timmy. They would spend hours telling stories and splashing in the water.

One year, the sun shone very hot, and there was hardly any rain. The pond began to get smaller and smaller, and the water started drying up.

"Oh no!" cried Gigi. "The pond is almost gone! We must find a new home with lots of water!"

Timmy felt very sad. "But how will I come with you?" he worried. "I can't fly, and I move so slowly!"

Gigi and Gus looked at each other and chirped, "We have a clever idea!"
Gus said, "We'll hold a strong stick in our beaks — one on each end. And you, Timmy, can hold the middle with your mouth!"

Gigi added, "But you must promise us one thing, Timmy — no matter what you see or hear, you must not open your mouth to speak! If you do, you'll fall!"

Timmy eagerly nodded. "I promise! I won't say a single word. Not even a whisper!"

So, Gigi and Gus held the stick in their beaks, and Timmy bit down tightly in the middle.
"Ready?" chirped Gigi. "Here we go!"
And up they flew, soaring higher and higher, over green fields and tiny villages.

It was so amazing! Timmy had never seen the world from so high up.

As they flew over a village, people looked up and shouted, "Look! A tortoise flying with geese! How incredible!"

Poor Timmy, who loved to talk, couldn't help himself. He forgot his promise in all the excitement.
"How wonderful this is!" he exclaimed — and opened his mouth.

Oh no!

The moment he spoke, Timmy lost his grip and fell. Down, down, down he tumbled through the air and landed with a thud. He hurt himself badly. He could never fly again.

Gigi and Gus flew down sadly to be with their friend.