The Sloth who found her heart in Scotland

Feira scratched her belly watching the young monkeys at play. She wished she had their agility and speed. If only she had a friend. Someone who understood her slowness and the reason her fur was slimy green. The monkeys would often call names across to her, making her cry.

“Slowcoach, you couldn’t catch a cold. Lazy bones, all you do is sleep.”

Feira would often drift into dreams where she was a monkey swinging one-handed from branch to branch, curved tail swishing in the breeze. Other times she pictured herself as a sleek jaguar, roaming the rainforest of her parents’ homeland. Her imagination stretched further as she saw herself as a vibrant, colourful bird, spreading her wings and surveying all from the sky. She had never seen the forest, but her mum told her tales of its beauty as the sunlight filtered through the trees.

Like all youngsters, Feira would ask questions.

“But why is my fur green? Why am I slow while others are fast?”

The answer remained the same.

“The algae that gives your fur a green tint is a special gift. As well as tasty, it is an honour that they settle on us. As for being slow, remember the classic story of the Tortoise and the Hare that I told you. Slow is often the quickest path.”

Feira loved hearing her mum tell stories, with the old fables being her favourites, although she still wished she could move faster.

All too soon it was time for her to leave home. She had reached an age where she no longer relied on her mother. Scotland, a land of legends and one some called God’s own country, needed her. Although she smiled, Feira felt the tears welling up inside her. Would she not see her parents again? Her gaze took in her home, the only place she had ever known since being born.

“Don’t be sad; a new chapter is starting for you. Besides, Scotland is supposed to be nice, if not cold,” her mum said.

A strange, haunting sound danced through the air as Feira arrived at her new home.

The young girl who had accompanied her on her journey crouched next to her.

“This is the beautiful sound of bagpipes. I love the sound of them; it makes me proud to be Scottish, and you are now an adopted Scot. We have a special area we call the Magic Forest where you will make new friends.”

As she entered her new home, apprehension was replaced with wonder. Soon, she was to find many friends, becoming a favourite among the visitors. Then Nico arrived, and her heart fluttered as his smile reached her, and he held out elongated fingers in friendship.

Five years have passed since then. Last week my life became complete when I gave birth to you. My beautiful boy, Atty, your birth marks a historic moment. Never in Scotland’s history has a sloth been born here, making you extra special.