Paradise deferred by Eileen Padmore
My name is Henrietta and I am a reptile. Long ago, one of my ancestors was held responsible for that great catastrophe known to humans as 'The Fall' . But it was nothing to do with me. Although afflicted by the curse (on thy belly shalt thou go all the days of thy life) the difference is that I am a tortoise with built in decking and a roof over my head. Vastly superior. My foolish owners acquired me when I was a few months old, small enough to fit into the human hand. They called me Henry, not knowing I was a girl. Later, when they realised their mistake, they renamed me. In the early days I was kept warm, dry and safe in a glass box with shiny, slippery surfaces. Food rations were generous and everything was kept clean. On difficult days I was taken out and washed. Then shy, I retreated far inside my shell if anyone came near. Now I am a teenager with more freedom. Last summer I lived out in the garden for month...