The Bear and Barnacle

You say it’s your birthday
we’re gonna have a good time
I’m glad it’s your birthday
Happy birthday to you!

Q sang as he came into the living room with his back pack. “Now John,” he said to the turtle, “I’m going to be gone four days. I’ll be back Sunday night.” He gently stroked John’s shell. “There’s a Beatles/John Lennon Movie Marathon and Festival in London, and I’m going to celebrate our birthdays. I’ve rigged it so you’ll have fresh food and water while I’m gone so you don’t have to worry about that.” He didn’t feel at all odd talking to a turtle. Not while he was alone. It made more sense than talking to himself, something he was wary of doing where other people could see (and maybe hear). “I don’t want you to get lonely, so I’ll leave the radio on low. That won’t bother you will it?” He didn’t expect an answer (not really) and he wasn’t disappointed. John just stuck his head further out of his shell and nibbled the lettuce Q had given him. Taking that as a ‘no’, Q shouldered his bag and left, singing:

I would like you to dance--Birthday
Take a cha-cha-cha-chance-Birthday
I would like you to dance--Birthday
Dance

He had just enough time to catch the early train into London.