Crushing defeat of Turtle.

Today's comic update was the turning point in the story. Hyena drops a rock on unsuspecting turtle. I dreaded posting the page because of all the support the turtle was getting. In talking to friends about it, it feels like I'm killing the shepherdess all over again. Granted this is merely the way the story is supposed to go, there's good reasons for the actions, and in the end the turtle will be fine, but it still feels like I'm being cruel.

When the shepherdess was killed in the first story, I agonized over it too, almost wishing I could re-write it at the last minute and make the world all better again and to keep everyone happy. But though the death in the story makes me very sad as well, it makes the impact of everything that much more strong. The sacrifice she made to protect a friend. The first time I heard the legend it really hit home with me. I may have shed a tear or two, but I'm a sentimental fool. :)

So I hope the readers of Panda panda won't think to harshly of me. I love the turtle too!