Fear Is The Mind-Killer

Oscar had decided to go exploring on his own today, splitting off from the herd with the obligatory promise to be back before nightfall. The donkey’s heart is heavy, the sadness that has followed him since Mrs. B’s passing has only festered. The small donkey had tried to push it away, tried to fill in for the wooly rhino as the leader of the herd but all he has seemed to do is alienate Rannoch and Kryen. The quiet elk has never liked the fact that Oscar is loud and Kyren… well the reindeer still seems upset that he allowed Taiga to join their herd. Doubt weighs heavily on his mind as his small hooves carry him along a beach. Sad eyes notice the black sand under him and the donkey lifts his head to survey the landscape.

The sea laps at the shoreline, rolling in and out in a hypnotic, calming rhythm. Dotting the sand at irregular intervals are palm trees, their leaves waving against the gentle breeze that tickles the donkey’s long ears. Nugget rests on his rump, head under his wing, pretending to be asleep will Oscar allows himself to wallow in his sorrows. Looking out over the crystal waves, Oscar softly says, “I miss you Beru. I… I’m not you. I can’t keep this herd going. I’m no leader.” With a sad sigh, the donkey lowers he head, allowing the tears he held inside trickle down his nose. His long ear pin back against his neck, as the emotions take over.


"Oscar"|"Nugget"