Sitting on the other side of the creek was a creature, unlike any Alice, had ever seen. It had the head of a cow, the body of a turtle, and the tail of a lion. It was sobbing uncontrollably, and Alice immediately felt sorry for it. She abandoned the weeds and set out across the creek. Upon reaching the other side, she walked up to the creature and addressed it.

Excuse me, why are you crying??

The creature looked up at Alice with tear-stained eyes and said in a gruff voice, Go home to your mommy!!

‘that’s not necessary. I’m just trying to be friendly. Alice was rather upset at being shooed by the animal.

I’m sorry. I’m just so upset. It said between sobs.

Why?? Asked Alice. She moved to the foot of the rock on which the creature was sitting and took a seat on the cool grass, her legs tucked beneath her.

Because I just don’t know. Replied the creature.

Alice was confused. Don’t know what??

Who I am. What I am. I’m so mixed up.

Oh. Remarked Alice. Well, do you have a name??

No. Everybody just calls me Mock Turtle.

Well, Mr Mock Turtle, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Alice. Alice smiled at him.

You’re awfully talkative. Then again, I suppose most babies are.

I am not a baby. Said Alice, getting to her feet. Sure, I am dressed like one, but I am not, I can assure you I do not need diapers.

Are you sure?? Asked Mock Turtle.

Of course, I’m sure. I should know who I am, shouldn’t I? Said Alice indignantly. She continued, At least, I used to know for sure. You see, ever since I came here, I’ve been less and less sure. That’s what worries me. You see, I look like a big girl, but lately, I’ve acted more and more like a little girl.

And you don’t enjoy it??

No. It’s disgusting. I’ve had accidents in my pants, er, diapers, to be honest. It’s terrible! And everyone treats me like I can’t do anything for myself. I’ve been fed, clothed, even bathed.

Mock Turtle raised is eyebrow in amusement. And that’s a bad thing? I’d think you’d enjoy it. You don’t have to worry about anything, and people love babies. They’re always getting all sorts of attention. And, you have your entire life ahead of you. Unlimited possibilities.

I never thought of it that way. Alice said.

Unlimited possibilities. Unlike me. I’m just a nobody. Nobody pays me any attention, and I’ve no one to take care of me. I’m old, and I’ve already wasted so much time trying to be what I’m not.

What are you, exactly?? Alice wondered out loud.

I don’t know! That’s the problem. Nobody knows! I’m not a turtle, not a cow, I’m just a mixed-up collection of everything. At least when you’re a baby, you don’t have to worry about being anything. You can just sit back and take it as it comes. I’m telling you, kid, enjoy it while it lasts. With that, Mock Turtle continued to cry.

Alice smiled to herself. He was right. Thank you, Mock Turtle. You’ve opened my eyes to new possibilities. Alice left the turtle, still crying, and headed back across the creek. She gathered up the weeds and skipped back to the caterpillar.

Upon entering the clearing, Alice greeted the caterpillar. Hello! I have the weeds. What next??

‘my aren’t we cheery. Commented the caterpillar.

Just a change in the frame of mind. Replied Alice.

Whatever. The next task is to get some nice warm tea to boil the weeds in. I happen to know of a tea party going on not far from here, but I don’t know if I really want to send you??

Why not?? Asked Alice. She sounded hurt by the caterpillar’s remark.

It’s unlike any tea party you’ve ever encountered. It’s hosted by the Mad Hatter. Believe me, they don’t call him ‘mad Hatter’ for nothing.

Is he mean??

No, just crazy. But it is the best place to get tea, so I think you’ll have to brave it. The caterpillar pointed to a narrow path leading into some thick woods. Just stay on the path and you’ll be there in no time. You’ll know it when you see it. He smiled slyly. Have fun.