The starkness of the empty field put a stone in his stomach. In the distance, an amorphous shape began to shift, purporting to be a giant dragon ready to ruin everything. As it drew closer, however, it revealed itself to be an innocuous donkey. Though it carried a valuable load of potatoes, the donkey's habit of leaving manure along the path seemed to negate the worth of the entire delivery.

They named him Clumsy after a notorious incident where he stepped on the hem of the vicar’s wife’s dress, causing a wardrobe malfunction that left her leggings to be inspected by the entire, gossiping village. Despite the name, he was far from lethargic; he was a hardworking and patient soul, bearing his burdens without complaint.

After the scandal, the malevolent village boys targeted him, finding cruel sport in his misfortune. Yet, amidst their taunts, one boy—an outcast himself—venerated the animal. While others saw only a superficial blunder, the boy noticed the oily drops, like tears, pooling around the donkey’s eyes and the flies that incessantly disturbed him. Without a word, he would gently clear the drops and shoo the insects away. In those quiet moments, Clumsy seemed content; the boy had found a fellow sufferer, and in their shared silence, they both found a rare kind of happiness.

Borderline