Way up high on Mount Olympus, where the clouds felt like fluffy cotton candy, Zeus, the king of all the gods, decided to throw a magnificent party. It was for his own wedding! He sent out invitations to every single animal in the world.

Soon, the party was buzzing! Lions roared happily, birds sang their best songs, and even the little mice scurried in with tiny bows. There was music, dancing, and tables piled high with yummy treats.

But wait a minute, boomed Zeus, his voice like gentle thunder. "Where is Tortoise?"
Everyone looked around. The speedy cheetah was there, the wise owl was there, but no Tortoise.
"Hmm," Zeus rumbled. "This is strange."

So, Zeus sent a speedy eagle to find Tortoise. The eagle swooped down and found Tortoise munching slowly on a juicy leaf in his cozy little home.
"Tortoise!" chirped the eagle. "Zeus is wondering why you're not at his amazing wedding party!"
Tortoise blinked slowly. "Oh, dear," he said, pulling his head into his shell a little. "Parties are nice, I suppose. But my home is just so comfy and safe. I think I'll stay here. 'Home sweet home,' you know."

The eagle flew back and told Zeus what Tortoise had said.
Zeus frowned. His eyebrows wiggled like stormy clouds. He wasn't very happy that Tortoise thought his home was better than the king's party.
"If Tortoise loves his home so much," Zeus declared, his voice a bit louder now, "then he shall carry his home with him wherever he goes!"

And just like that, with a little zap of godly magic, Tortoise's cozy little house became stuck to his back!
From that day on, Tortoise had to carry his house everywhere. It was a bit heavy, and he still moved very slowly, but at least he was always home! And that, some say, is why tortoises have shells.

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