Island of Secrets (J087)

[b]Island of Secrets[/b]

“Eh fish sticks, it’s that day again... I’d better be going before those kids tear my ship apart.”

The start of December has always been a busy day for everyone in Animal Town. The Nookling brothers were unloading their fresh shipment of festive trees, Harriet was working overtime to give costumers their desired festive haircut and the villagers had to harvest all the fruits before the blizzard would arrive. Although busy, some villagers had other worries to attend to first.

“Quit poking me or I throw you overboard. Stop touching my flag! Sit down already!! Rotten kids…”

The southern beach was filled with joy and laughter which could be heard throughout the town. Winter holiday had begun which meant the 7th and 8th grade school kids would be going on a camping trip to Tortimer’s Island today. The trip had become a tradition in the town and is held every year to celebrate the beginning of the new school year. But not everyone is always as happy about it, as is also tradition.

After everyone boarded the ship, and after Kapp’n took his aspirins, they finally could set sail for the island. It was a long trip but everyone knew it would be worth is since it’s always summer on the island. No one knew exactly how that was possible, but no one ever had time to care due to the amount of fun they were having. Upon arrival the kids were greeted by Leilani and Grams and immediately rushed to the beach

“Oh sweetheart, I see you survived the trip”, Leilani uttered while trying not to laugh upon seeing Kapp’n stumble inside. Yes, it was a joyful day for everyone.



For 14 days the kids enjoyed several fun games. Bug hunting, item matching, treasure digging, flower arranging, plenty of fun for everyone. Mayor Tortimer watched from a distance with an continuous smile upon his face.

“Good day mayor, can I interest you in a nice sugar waffle?”

“Oh, hello Joan. Yes, I’d like one please.”

“Isn’t it nice to see all these children run around and have fun? It reminds me of our time together.”

“Ah yes, our childhood. I also think about those days from time to time. We three sure had a lot of fun back than.”

A moment of silence fell between the two as they looked at each other with a smile on their face.

“I sometimes do miss him.”

“Me too Joan. Me too.”
That night was the bonfire which marked the end of the camping trip. Traditionally mayor Tortimer would tell a story around the bonfire about one of the many adventures he had during the time he was mayor of Animal Town. And tonight, he had a special story prepared.


“Who of you kids has ever seen a falling star?”

“I have. If you see one you can make a wish!”

“Indeed little one, and what did you wish for?”

“Uhm, I wished for a teddy bear.”

“That is a very good wish. I also saw a falling star once when I was the same age as you. It was on this island where I was playing with Joan and a friend of ours. During summer we would always come to this island to play games and to catch bugs. On one night I saw a falling star and made a wish to always be best friends.”

“Did your wish come true mayor Tortimer?”

“Yes, Joan is still a very good friend.”

“Did you also wish to become mayor?”

“Haha, I could have never wished to become mayor, but that’s a different story for another time. Right now it’s nearly time for bed so off to your tents. We’ll be sailing home tomorrow!”


It turned out to be an emotional night for mayor Tortimer and Joan who had lost their childhood friend a long time ago. But what better moment was there to remember him, than on the island where they used to play together.

At daybreak during the Winter Solstice the children went back to Animal Town. As grumpy as usual Kapp’n docked his ship and unloaded the bags in the bitter cold. Only the sound of the waves remained once the children had gone back home. Mayor Tortimer was standing alone at the dock staring across the ocean with a smile on his face, when he heard a familiar jingle pass through the air.

“Hello Tortimer, it is nice to meet you again.”

“Hello my friend. It’s been a long time.”

“I see you are still enjoying your summer island I gifted you.”

“Indeed. I’ll always treasure the moment we had together, and I like nothing more than giving these children their own memories of the island.”

“You are a kind hearted man Tortimer. I never had a doubt that you would be elected as mayor of Animal Town.”

“You would have been a worthy opponent though. If only you…”

“Please Tortimer, it was my time. There was nothing you or Joan could have done for me.”

“I know that. But the feeling remains he same.

“The stars predicted a glorious time for the new mayor of Animal Town. Please do your best to help out, and send my love to Joan who still prays for me every day. Farewell Tortimer, until next year.”

“Farewell, Wishy.”


- J087