“Hurry up, Petunia, we need to get off the road as soon as possible,” exclaimed Tiberius.
“Mercy, you are a cruel one today. I was getting my step, and now we must rush off to some ditch,” complained the donkey.
“Better a ditch than a glue factory, I say,” remarked the cat.
The two friends had grown up on a nearby farm. Petunia hauled grain to the millers, and the cat kept the barn clear of rats.
Life was slow and easy until the old farmer died. When his son wanted more money, he bought a tractor and trailer to haul the grain.
Tiberius overheard the farmer saying he would sell the beast to the glue works and use the money for petrol.
Tiberius made plans to leave as soon as possible. Later that night, the cat lifted the latch to the donkey’s pen, and the two were off.
“Do you ever think he’ll catch us, Tiberius?” asked the donkey.
“If we are cautious, we’ll be fine. Get some rest. I’ll take the first watch from that tree hollow,” said the cat.
“Mercy, this escaping is a tough business. With you in charge, I am certain we’ll make it,” offered the donkey.
As the sun rose, the compatriates were on their way. “I crawled to the tree’s top and saw a large body of water in this direction. We should reach it by sundown,” said Tiberius.
“I can’t swim, and cats hate water. Why are we going that way?” questioned Petunia.
“If lucky, we’ll catch a boat to the outer islands. There, we will be safe,” the cat replied.
“How on earth do you know so much about these things,” wondered the donkey.
“When the old man was alive, I heard him talk about catching a boat to the outer islands. Where living was easy,” answered Tiberius.
“I’m sure glad you paid attention. If it were up to me, I would already be glue,” the donkey offered.
Evening came, and as the cat had expected, they arrived at the seaside. “We need to find a loading ramp like the ones used on the farm to send animals to market,” said the cat.
They inspected the boats until they finally found what they were looking for. “Quick up into the boat,” said Tiberius.
Petunia stumbled at first. The Tiberius ensured her everything would be fine once she reached the door. “I hope they have nice bedding,” remarked the donkey.
The boat was transporting a load of old cotton rags for disposal on the garbage island. “Well, this is a surprise,” said Tiberius.
The ship left port at sunrise and had docked at the island by late afternoon. “We’ll wait until everyone is asleep and walk back down the ramp,” said the cat.
“This place sure does stink. I’m not sure I can live here,” said Petunia.
“Not to worry, I’m sure we can find an out-of-the-way patch to fit our needs,” remarked Tiberius.
As the sun rose, the two gazed in wonder at the view. “Look at that, a small forest by the sea. Perfect, wouldn’t you agree?” said the cat.
“Mercy me, it’s a little slice of heaven indeed,” replied the donkey.
The sign at the forest entrance read, “Outer Island Wildlife Preserve—Humans Keep Out.”
“We’ll be fine here,” said Tiberius, who fell fast asleep on Petunia’s back.
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