MAKE ROOM
Written by Leona NielsenPublished on May 2014
As the moon played in the sky just before dawn, it found a small opening between the barn boards and found its way to Joseph’s face, creating moon shadows. Joseph didn’t even wake up. Baby, who the moon did wake up, smiled to himself as he looked at the shadows dancing on Joseph’s face.
Baby was wondering what he was going to do now until breakfast, when Annie came running over to see if everything was alright because he was up so early. He couldn’t tell her about the shadows as the moon had already moved on. He did notice that the lights were on in the house as well.
“Guess I won’t be getting any alone time this morning. It looks like everyone is up.â€
“You can always find alone time Annie.†Joseph said with a big yawn.â€
“Why do you need it anyway?â€
“Baby, it’s a girl thing.â€
“Got to do your hoofs is that it?â€
“No JOSEPH!! It is very important to spend time with yourself.â€
“Ok. Why Annie?†asked Baby.
“Well, you see, it is like this - where you go you have to take yourself with you and it would be hard going with someone you didn‘t like.â€
“Aww that’s too bad because I was going to leave myself behind the next time I got a bath. Besides that, why are you all up early?†asked Joseph.
“It’s the moon’s fault.â€
“What’s the moon got to do with it?â€
“It woke me up just in time to see the shadows it was making on your face as you slept Joseph.â€
“Too bad I didn’t see it. I was in dreamland anyway. Now I am starting to wonder what is going on Baby.â€
“Maybe there is a show or something. No, because if there was one of us would have had a bath, so that is out of the question.â€
“You are right Joseph. We will just have to wait and see, I guess.†answered Baby.
“Maybe we won’t have to wait for long because here comes our owners.†Annie replied.
“I’m glad because my stomach is empty and it’s in need of some food.â€
“Your stomach is always empty Joseph.â€
“Yes Baby. I live for food.â€
“Then in that case, let’s go and make your belly happy.†yelled Annie.
“Happy Happy Happy†was all you could hear as Joseph made his way to the feed bowl.
Annie happened to look up from her hay as a car drove in the driveway.
“This is really strange, not only are we all up but there is a stranger coming. I hope our owner knows.†Annie said as she made her way behind Joseph.
“I see you have made it.†said one of the owners.
“Yes, I wanted to get things started early so we can have the rest of the day. This must be Annie, is it?†the stranger said as Annie moved further away.
“She can be shy sometimes until she knows you.†said the owner as they left the barn.
“SHY!!! HELLO! I am just being careful and I don’t know this person. Oh gosh I wish they could hear us sometimes!†Annie shouted.
“Annie, I am very proud of you. You are doing exactly what you have been taught.†answered TC as she came, along with Havier, to join the rest.
“That is what you always tell us TC - not to go near strangers until we know who they are.â€
“TC, do you know what is going on?†asked Baby.
“I am at a complete loss on this one. I have no idea.â€
“But TC, you are our leader and you know everything.â€
“There are times, Baby, when things slip past the leader leaving them in the dark and I do believe this is one of those times.â€
“I guess so because it can happen in the government. I thought I was curious earlier now I am over the top.†said Joseph.
“Well we will just have to wait and see I guess. Where did the government come from Joseph?†Havier asked.
“It sounded good and I heard our owners talking once about the government. Don’t ask me what it is because like TC, right now I don’t have a clue.†Joseph smiled.
No one had missed Annie until she came running back from the big side.
“Everyone, I just went on an investigation. I stayed within the barn TC. But I think I found some clues.â€
“What clues Annie? Tell us please. I was curious before but I am over the top now.†shouted Joseph.
“I know something is happening but I don’t quite know what. In Missy’s old corner where all the tools were for fixing the barn – they’re gone now.â€
“Maybe our owner is going to set up shop someplace else.†Havier said.
“Then explain the new shavings on the floor in Missy’s corner.â€
“WHAT! That just means one thing. We are getting a visitor for sure.†shouted Joseph.
“That’s for sure but is it an overnight guest or longer?†asked TC.
“I guess this is wait and see day because there is nothing to do now but wait and see.†answered TC.
Everyone was so taken up in solving the problem that no one noticed the trailer leaving until it pulled into the driveway.
“Listen everyone did you hear that?â€
“What Joseph?â€
“I have had my radar ears on alert now for a bit and I think something just came into the yard.â€
“Then in that case, lets’ go and see.†Annie shouted as she ran ahead of the rest. Suddenly she put her breaks on so fast that she slid into the wall.
“What is wrong Annie? What do you see?†yelled Joseph.
“Oh my goodness! You won’t believe what I just saw!â€
“Move Annie so I can see.†bellowed Baby.
“Is it what I think Baby?â€
“Sure looks like it.â€
“WHAT?â€
“Let’s just say that the ears are bigger than yours Joseph.â€
“Don’t tell me that. That just means one thing. It is not a miniature like us.â€
“You’re right Joseph, but related.†Annie replied.
Just then TC got a chance to have a look and after doing so turned to Havier….
“I think you better look too.â€
Havier couldn’t believe what he was seeing……
“I wonder if this is a guest or an addition? Anyone want to take a guess? I say it is a visitor.†said Annie.
Everyone said a guest until…………….
“You are all wrong because here comes the saddle, tack box and blanket. We have a new addition, I think.†Joseph said.
“I wonder if it is a boy or girl? Nice coloursâ€
“Annie, I think it is a boy.â€
A second later…..
“Jake, meet your new family.†the owner said.
“Hi Jake. I am Annie and this is Joseph, Baby, our leader TC and Havier who is a mule just like you.â€
“Hi everyone.â€
“It’s alright Jake. I was a bit nervous when I came too.â€
“Havier, I think you should be the one to show Jake around as you have an idea of how Jake may feel right now.â€
“I would like to but we can all do it together.†answered Havier.
As everyone walked away the stranger looked at the owner
“Well, I guess there is nothing to worry about. Let’s get a coffee and come back in a bit and see how things are.â€
“We can do that but they will be fine.â€
The rest of the day was wrapped around questions as the barn was getting used to Jake. As night fell………
“Ok, Little Ones, that’s enough for today. I think Jake would like to get some rest as well. Maybe the next time we have story time Jake might want to tell us about his life but for now “Welcome Home Jake†and we are glad you are here.â€
“Thank you everyone and yes, when that day comes, I will tell you.â€
“Good night everyone.â€
“Good night TC and Havier.†said the Little Ones.
“Ooops! Jake too. Sorry Jake.â€
Then from the corner…..
“Next time I am putting my order in.â€
“Order for what Annie?â€
“That the next addition will be a girl because TC and I are out-numbered.â€
“Annie.â€
“I know TC. Good night.â€
“Don’t worry Jake, you will get used to Annie’s wit.†whispered Havier.
Good Night Everyone
 
Hi Everyone. There you have it. We are now six plus in the barn and the plus is for the cats. Hope you enjoyed our story. Annie taught us the biggest lesson of all by listening to what TC had taught her about strangers. Always be sure you ask your parent or guardian about someone that is a stranger to you. Here is a photo of Jake. Next time our story- well - let’s just say is interesting. See you then and for now stay safe.
From All Of Us At The Barn