Keeper of the shallow end
Marilly
She keeps one leaf on duty and both feet in the pond.
Still Water
Marilly waits until every ripple has explained itself.
Pond Method
Every morning, Marilly checks the reed line before the sun warms the shallows. She returns wandering lily pads, counts the minnows twice, and confirms that the mud is still mud. The leaf stays on for the entire shift. When the water becomes complicated, she sits down, waits, and lets the pond finish first. This procedure has not failed yet.
- TickerMARILLY
- HomeThe cool shallows below the moss bank, close to three reeds.
- HeadgearOne floating leaf, centered carefully, stem pointing toward the right ear.
- Primary DutyReturn every loose lily pad before it reaches the fast water.
- Emergency PlanSit perfectly still until the emergency becomes ordinary pond scenery.
- Shift RuleNo splashing before breakfast; one ripple may be reviewed at a time.
The pond can proceed when Marilly is ready.