On a sunny morning by Lilypond, [Teddy](VZD56VCD) the turtle peeked out from his shell. It was race day! But [Teddy](VZD56VCD) always came last, and today he felt nervous.

Nearby, [Lucy](FKYS5HTK) the frog leapt from lily pad to lily pad with excitement. She waved to [Teddy](VZD56VCD). 'You can do it this time!' she said with a big smile.

As the race began, all the other animals cheered. The ducks quacked, the dragonflies buzzed, and the fish popped up to watch.

[Teddy](VZD56VCD) started slowly, his little legs paddling in the water. 'You’ve got this, [Teddy](VZD56VCD)!' [Lucy](FKYS5HTK) called, hopping alongside him on the shore.

The other turtles zipped ahead, but [Teddy](VZD56VCD) kept going, one splashy step at a time. 'I believe in you!' [Lucy](FKYS5HTK) shouted.

Halfway through the race, the faster turtles got tired. They stopped for a rest while [Teddy](VZD56VCD) steadily kept swimming.

[Lucy](FKYS5HTK) hopped closer, clapping her little frog hands. 'You’re almost there!' she said. [Teddy](VZD56VCD) felt braver with every step forward.

Finally, [Teddy](VZD56VCD) reached the finish line. The pond erupted in cheers! [Teddy](VZD56VCD) had won his first race ever!

'I couldn’t have done it without you, [Lucy](FKYS5HTK),' [Teddy](VZD56VCD) said shyly. [Lucy](FKYS5HTK) laughed, 'You always had it in you, [Teddy](VZD56VCD)!'

From that day on, [Teddy](VZD56VCD) swam with confidence, knowing he could do anything with a little courage and a great friend by his side.