October 3, 2025
‘Stop…’ said the yellow duck.
‘What do you mean?’ asked the small girl.
‘Rest,’ said the yellow duck.
‘How?’ asked the small girl.
‘Don’t do anything,’ said the yellow duck.
‘I don’t understand,’ said the small girl.

(Pause.)

‘Sometimes, you just can’t,’ said the yellow duck.
‘I don’t know what “can’t” means,’ said the small girl.
‘“Can’t” means “don’t”,’ said the yellow duck.
‘It means “don’t do it now…”’
‘Don’t do it now?’ asked the small girl.
‘Don’t do it yet,’ said the yellow duck.

(Pause.)

'Sometimes…’ whispered the yellow duck.  
'Yes?' said the small girl.
'Sometimes, boots help,' said the yellow duck.
'Hats, too?’ asked the small girl.
'Hats, too,' said the yellow duck.
‘Yes!' said the small girl.