Page 49 of The Day After Christmas
As it turned out, two farm gates were all that stood between them and direct access to a whole group of donkeys who were just wandering round an enclosed yard outside what appeared to be Valerie’s house, a little scrubbed pink cottage with roses around the door and clutter piled up in every window. One in particular was full to the brim with ancient cuddly toys, bears and other stuffed animals, all faded and broken. Felicity’s heartfelt like it was being squeezed in her chest and she had to turn away.
The yard, though, that was immaculate apart from the roughly ten donkeys pottering around in it, all colours of the rainbow. Well, all colours of the donkey rainbow at least, from white and spotty to brown to grey to even a kind of orange colour.
As they arrived the donkeys turned in unison and began to sing a greeting at the top of their voices. Or at least, what they assumed was a greeting. It was so loud, Felicity gave a little gasp, while James immediately started laughing.
Donkey heads were all around them suddenly, pushing against them, soft little noses searching their pockets for treats. In one horrifying moment one of them even reversed up towards Felicity who instinctively jumped backwards out of harm’s way.
Valerie’s turn to laugh. ‘Don’t worry. I know it looks bad but that’s Eeyore and he just wants a bum scratch.’
Sure enough the little grey donkey didn’t look like he was about to kick her. He was just standing, waiting expectantly. And when Felicity reached out and gave his hindquarters a tentative rub his lower lip began to droop and his eyes began to close.
‘See? He loves that.’
Felicity giggled as the donkey backed into her even further. This was not what she was expecting at all.
‘Speaking of tickling…’ said James from his position between two donkeys, where he had apparently been conned into rubbing one ear of each. Every time he stopped one of them would give him a nudge until he started again.
‘Oh. Yes, of course. Jessica. Yes, yes she’s doing well, thank you. Would you like to see her?’ said Valerie.
‘Only if we can come straight back here afterwards,’ said Felicity, who had already decided donkeys were her new favourites.
Valerie laughed. ‘Of course. Donkey cuddles are good for the soul.’
‘She’s not wrong,’ said James under his breath as they finally managed to extricate themselves from the throng. Valerie led them through another gate and down a little side path to what would have once been the garden for the cottage but was now, apparently, a little stable block made out of three or four old garden sheds all roughly nailed together. The stables were all empty apart from one, right at the end of the row, where Felicity could just make out a tiny head. At the sight of them, Jessica immediately started making little huffing noises.
‘She recognises you,’ said Valerie. ‘Despite what that Jersey lot think, donkeys are super intelligent.’
‘Yes, I’m getting that impression.’
‘You’re a natural with them,’ said Valerie, flinging open the stable door and smiling as Felicity approached Jessica a little cautiously at first, and then threw her arms around her neck. The little donkey breathed in her ear and Felicity giggled.
‘This was totally worth getting out of bed for,’ she murmured into Jessica’s soft coat.
‘How is she doing?’ said James, voice a little thick with emotion at the scene.
‘She’s great,’ said Valerie, leaning against a nearby stable door. ‘She’s got an appetite which is a really good sign. I’ll worm her later and give her a bath. No, I wouldn’t advise that,’ she said hastily when she saw Felicity’s excited face. ‘It’s not as fun as it sounds.’
Felicity looked crestfallen.
‘We brought her some gifts,’ said James quietly. ‘Ginger biscuits and some jam for jam sandwiches. I heard donkeys really love those.’
Valerie had the good grace to look mildly impressed. She even uncrossed her arms.
‘He’s a Donkey Man,’ said Felicity, by way of explanation.
‘Is that so…?’ said Valerie, eyebrows raised.
‘You bet,’ Felicity said, with a grin.
James shifted uncomfortably under the women’s combined stares.
‘So, anyway, thanks for everything, Valerie…’ he said, giving Jessica a final tickle, and backing away towards the gate, his face a little flushed.
Felicity giggled. ‘Everything all right, Donkey Man?’
James ran a hand down his face. ‘I’m really not sure you should call me that in public.’
‘Valerie’s not public, are you, Valerie?’
