I did my best to keep a poker face and not immediately decline the offer.
Amos and Andy were not being the best self promoters, at the moment. Amos, the smaller grey donkey, had let me scratch his forehead once or twice, but Andy, the larger red critter, was running about the stall, desperately trying to stay in whatever corner was opposite the one I was standing. No matter how quietly I stood or coo'd, he wanted nothing to do with me.
"That's an interesting offer," I carefully replied. "I'll have to think about that."
Nothing more was said on the topic, that evening.
Before we moved to our own place, I'd always whispered to Maxine that I'd find us a place in the country an buy her a donkey. She had always been very fond of standard and miniature donkeys. Now that option was staring me in the face, and I wasn't so sure I was ready.
The next afternoon, I accompanied Joan out to the pasture. Amos was standing quietly while Andy napped in the grass. As we chatted, my husband walked up to the fence.
"Hmm, let's see what they think of Travis," I whispered to Joan. My husband Travis is an unassuming, kind soul; he's always had a way with donkeys, who are equally as kind and unassuming.
As Travis stood by the fence, the donkeys eyed him with curiosity. After a few moments, Andy got up, and they wandered toward the fence. Within minutes, Travis was stroking their fuzzy faces.
I turned to Joan, whose chin was now resting on her chest in awe. Reaching out my hand I said, "We'll take them."
"I'll meet you half way," she replied as we closed the deal with a handshake.
