YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT CAN HAPPEN

Written by Leona Nielsen
Published on November 2015

It wasn’t hard to realize that morning had arrived. From the north the rooster crowed. In the east the sheep were having their morning conversation. The west sent the sound of pheasants trying out their wings. Havier stood in the south window listening to the day waking up.
“One of these days.â€
“Joseph, what is wrong?â€
“I am changing my sleeping quarters!â€
“He will be alright Havier. The rooster woke him up and you know Joseph and his sleep.â€
“He does need a lot of sleep, doesn’t he? I wonder if……†and before Havier could continue…
“No! It is not a donkey fact! This time it is just Joseph. Look at me. I am always up before everyone. Well, almost always.†answered Annie.
“That is so true, Annie. His stomach is not yelling for food yet because that is one of the only things that would get him up early.†replied Baby.
“A good morning to everyone and did I miss something?†Jake asked as he joined the rest of the animals.
“Now. We were just talking about Joseph.â€
“I just passed Joseph and he didn’t seem too happy. All I got out of him was new sleeping quarters and the rooster.â€
“That’s it Jake. The rooster woke him up.†Added Annie.
“Another forty winks and he will be good to go.†Jake commented as he made his way to the water bucket.
It didn’t take Joseph long to wake up when he heard the owners coming to serve breakfast.
“Oh Joseph, you were not in a good mood earlier, I have to say.â€
“I know Baby. That rooster just wouldn’t keep still. One cock-a-doodle-doo after the other.â€
“It wasn’t like it was in the middle of the night, Joseph.â€
“I was in the middle of this perfect dream. I was about to be given these juicy apples and pears. I had my mouth wide open and the taste buds were watering in anticipation. It was coming towards me and what happened? – Cock-a-doodle-doo!! and the dream was gone.â€
Baby tried hard not to let Joseph see him smiling. He knew only too well now why he was so upset this morning.
“I wonder what else the day has in store? They say it comes in three’s.â€
“Joseph, it will be what it will be.†added Baby.
"I know Baby, but right now I am looking at number one.â€
“Awwww Joseph, that is nice.â€
“Sorry Annie, I was talking about my stomach.†he answered with a small grin.
“Oh, I should have known better!†Annie whispered to herself.
The owners were busy around the barn looking after things they hadn’t gotten done during the week. No one paid any attention because it seemed like a normal day as far as everyone could see……..
“Joseph. Let’s put this on.â€
Joseph looked up at one of the owners as his halter was being fastened.
“Hello. Would you mind telling me what is happening?†yelled Annie as she came around the corner and Joseph was going out the front door.
“Baby, do you know what is going on?â€
“I am as confused as you, Annie.â€
Within what seemed to have been just minutes, Joseph was back and………….
“Annie. Let’s put your halter on.â€
Seconds later, Annie was going through the door.
“Wow! This is strange.†thought Baby.
Before he got the thought out of his head, Annie came through the door.
“Joseph, did you go on the trailer?â€
“I did, Annie. And you?â€
“I did too and the door closed for a few minutes, opened again and I was off. It doesn’t make sense. It is not as if we have never been on the trailer before. I am so confused.â€
Later on in the afternoon the same thing happened……off went Joseph and then Annie. Baby didn’t pay much attention because of what had happened in the morning. This time they didn’t come back.
“Havier!!! Jake!!! What is going on? They have both GONE!†Baby shouted as he ran towards the others.
“Slow down, Baby, so we can understand what you are saying. Take a breath and then tell us.â€
Baby told them the whole story in a minute.
“I think they might have gone somewhere.â€
“Hello Jake. I can see that they aren’t here!.....uh oh, Sorry Jake. I didn’t mean to say it that way! It wasn’t nice of me.â€
“It’s okay Baby. I know you are worried and I accept that. They will be back soon, I’m sure.â€
For the rest of the time Baby hung around with Havier and Jake. He wasn’t used to being alone. He always had someone with him.
The afternoon started to draw to a close and still no sign of the trailer.
“I have been so worried that I didn’t look to see what was gone.â€
“Let’s go now and have a look, Baby. I think that would be the best thing to do.†added Havier.
Just as they got to the other side of the barn, Baby suddenly stopped.
“Listen. I think I hear the truck.†shouted Baby as he ran to the fence.
Sure enough, the truck was coming up the road. Baby started to breathe harder and harder as he wasn’t sure if the trailer would be full or empty. Just then, that old so familiar sound could be heard. They were home! He felt like a parent who couldn’t find their child. He was so happy but also wanted to let them know not to do that again.
After Joseph and Annie were back in the barn………..
“That was not a nice thing that you did – not letting us know where you were going. Do you know what it is like being left behind and trying to figure things out? I was almost out of my mind with worry.â€
“Baby. We would have told you if we could have, but we didn’t know until the last minute. This time it was our owners who are to blame.†added Joseph.
“A lot of good that is going to do because no matter how much I yell, they cannot understand what I am saying!†Baby said as he approached the owners with “the look†on his face that would have stopped a clock.
“Do you get a feeling someone is upset?â€
“Now that you mention it, Baby just gave you a look that says it all.â€
“Baby, I am guessing that you are upset with Annie and Joseph for leaving together?â€
Just then Baby took his look a step higher.
“Oh, I think I get it now! You didn’t know what was going on.â€
Baby turned, looking at the others.
“I think we have a breakthrough. What do you think?â€
“It may be possible. I’ll tell you what. Next time I am hungry I will try it out.â€
“JOSEPH!!!â€
“I’m back. Did you miss me, Baby?†Joseph answered with a smile.
Baby walked over to both of them, touching each with his nose.
“Now, tell us where did you go and what did you do?â€
“You want to start Joseph, or should I?â€

To be continued next month
Hi everyone. Hope you come back next month to hear the end to our story and to find out if it comes in three’s as Joseph thinks it does. Until next time, stay safe and always tell someone where you are going.

Baby, Joseph, Havier, Jake and Annie