Unanswered

Warmth. The word pounds through Oscar’s head with every step he takes, the simple thought becoming the mantra that drives him on. As a small donkey who is definitely not built for the cold, the ass often wanders a little further south from his herd in search of said warmth. Nugget, the donkey’s small rooster friend, sits perched on the caramel-hued ass’s rump, feet threaded expertly into the curly hair that covers Oscar. Small hooves pick their way down a winding path, leading the pair further into the earth.

The pair had come across an opening in ground and the jagged scar’s hot breath promised to give them what they seek. Pebbles skitter away from Oscar’s hooves, filling the air with their clattering songs as they go. For a couple of prey animals, Oscar and Nugget are not very quiet. The path bends and deposits the pair on a rocky outcropping that overlooks a river of molten warmth. He stops near the edge, taking a deep breath and releasing it in a blissful sigh.

Long ears lay back as the donkey closes his eyes, enjoying the almost unbearable heat that raises up to greet him. Nugget fluffs out on his rump, allowing air to flow between his feathers to help keep the rooster from overheating. The rooster turns to survey the area and finds a large, looming shadow close by. He lets out a loud, alarmed series of clucks to alert Oscar to the potential threat. Eyes shoot open and the ass lets out a loud bray, turning quickly to face the threat and almost pitching Nugget over into the boiling hot river.

Nugget clucks his displeasure at almost becoming a fried chicken as Oscar stands tall and says, “Oi! Who goes there? Don’t be tryin’ to eat me! I have a very large friend that would be very unhappy!” Small hooves dance as he prepares to flee, his prey instincts urging him to leave while the ass stubbornly stands where he is to face the stranger.


"Oscar Monaghan"