Cyprus
The farm was the worst thing that happened in Danny’s life! He used to be a wild noble donkey. He traveled around with his mates all over Cyprus, enjoying the sun, the beautiful blue sky of Pathos and yes… the freedom. Last year he was caught by a big man, whose name was Tom. Tom eyes were evil! He had big ugly hands … and he stank! Tom brought Danny to St. James’ Donkey farm and Danny started his life as a tourist donkey. Yes, he became a clown! He had to entertain foreign tourists all day long. It was physically difficult. He had to carry the fattest tourists because he was a big and strong donkey.
That day the tourist was really big! The guy almost broke his back. After the exhausting trip to the mountains Danny wanted to cry! He went to the stable and wanted to rest for a while, but it was not his day. Paul, a big dog that hated Danny was glaring at him and growling as if he was ready to rip Danny apart. And the dog could do this easily! He had already attacked week donkeys before and almost always was on the lookout for trouble. Actually, the dog realized that Danny was exhausted and wanted to bite poor Danny!
- Artem, let’s go to the hotel. I want to have some decent lunch, - heard Danny, as if through the mist of fear and tiredness
- Yes, dad, I am coming. Just give me a second. I think the donkey is in trouble, - answered an energetic voice of a small boy.
- Oh, come on. We have to be going if we don’t want to miss the lunch at our hotel.
Artem suddenly looked at Danny and Danny realized that the boy had kind green eyes and a dreamy smile of an adventurer. Yes, Artem was smiling, though the situation Danny was in was really dangerous! He was about to be bitten by Paul, the aggressive dog- monster of St. James’ farm!
Paul was approaching fast! He was actually running towards Danny and Danny got really scared! He was not able to fight with Paul. He was too tired and hungry. The dog suddenly jumped in the air and started running away from Danny! Something has happened!
Artem was still smiling and coming up to Danny. He was holding a stick in his hand and was eager to talk. The boy must have used the stick to chase the dog away from Danny! He was a really brave guy!
- Hi, donkey, - said Artem
- Hi, boy, Thank you very much for chasing the dog away. He was about to bite me!
- My name is Artem, I am Russian, but I can speak English well. Yes. I threw the stick at the coward dog. He really attacks only weak creatures. Let us be friends. I know your name! I heard our guide called you Danny.
- Yes, I am Danny, thanks a lot Artem. I would really love to befriend such a brave boy! I am really unhappy here at the farm. I can’t stand living here any longer. I want to run away, - said Danny sadly. – But a I can’t. The gates of the farm are always closed.
- I think I can help you out, my friend, - said Artem and Danny saw his mysterious smile again. – Just wait a second.
Danny saw something interesting soon. Artem came up to Tom, the ugly master of the farm and calmly took some keys out of his pocket. In a few seconds he winked at Danny and Danny saw the gates of the farm opening! Danny ran away as fast as he could!
Danny was free again! Nobody will be able to catch him again! He was jumping with joy towards the beautiful mountains of Pathos where his friends, wild donkeys were waiting for him! Freedom! He enjoyed every sound of the word! The sky was so blue and mysteriously beautiful like the smile on Artem’s face! Oh, I will never see my new friend Artem! I will see him!
In the evening somebody called Artem in the darkness, while he was enjoying the performance of a dancing group at the hotel. Artem went into the bushes and saw his new friend Danny! Danny was smiling and energetic. He was a different donkey!
- Artem, - We would love to give you a ride in the mountains of Pathos tomorrow if you care. Your Dad is invited too.
- Oh, fantastic,- exclaimed Artem.
The next morning, Dany met Artem and his Dad by the hotel and they went for a ride in the most beautiful mountains of Pathos! The sky was blue and mysterious!