Sammi and Dusty Read Online Free PDF

out his neck. He flared his nostrils and sniffed Sammi’s hand.
    ‘Good boy,’ murmured Sammi. ‘You’re the first donkey I’ve met here, did you know that?’
    He took another step forward so that he could stroke the donkey’s soft muzzle, then his big, fluffy ears. He ran a hand down his neck and felt surprised at how velvety his coat was. Back home, donkeys had to work hard, and they didn’t have much lush grass to eat. He thought of how the donkey boys beat them to make them go faster. This one had a very nice life compared to them.
    ‘You’re a lucky donkey, did you know that?’ he whispered. ‘I’m supposed to feel lucky too, living here in the UK. But I don’t. It’s awful. I just wish I could go home.’
    The donkey stood quietly, then nudged at Sammi’s pockets, looking for treats.
    Sammi laughed. ‘There’s nothing there, silly,’ he said. ‘But never mind. You’re much better than the rabbits. Maybe I’ll bring you a treat next time – if I ever come back.’
    He thought of the woman’s flowers and the way she’d yelled about not running. Then he thought about Jack, and how he’d given up on him so easily. He began to feel very gloomy, and leaned his head against the donkey’s neck.
    The donkey twitched his ears and nudged him again. Sammi straightened up and scratched his neck, just below his mane, working his way right up to his ears. The donkey snorted, clearly enjoying the attention.
    ‘I suppose it wouldn’t be too bad here, if I could spend my time with you,’ Sammi told him.
    But that was the trouble. Kerry had said he should look after the stupid rabbits and guinea pigs. If he came back, he bet she’d make him do that every single weekend, wouldn’t she? And he’d probably be made to apologize to Jack, then that woman with the flowers, and it would all be ten times worse than being at school.
    He’d have to talk to his mum. He wasn’t coming back.
    Suddenly the donkey shifted and pricked his ears, looking at something. Then, just as he’d done when Sammi came into the field, he started to bray.
    ‘Ee-yore! Eeee-yore!’ he screeched.
    Sammi followed the donkey’s gaze. To his dismay, he wasn’t alone any more. There were three people watching him. Kerry, Jack and Asha were all there, leaning over the gate. He felt his heart begin to race. Now he’d be in huge trouble for everything he’d done! He wished there was somewhere to run, but there was nowhere to go.
    For one instant, his dad’s face popped into his mind. He tried to imagine what he’d say: ‘ Be brave, son, and face up to them. ’
    Then he felt the donkey butting his arm again, and snorted. Sammi looked into his soft brown eyes. It was almost as though he was trying to say, ‘Go on. You can do it!’
    ‘All right, donkey,’ he muttered. ‘I’m going.’
    He gave the soft grey neck one last pat, then slowly turned away and walked towards the gate.

Chapter Five

    Asha watched as Sammi sauntered towards them. His hands were in his pockets and he looked more grumpy than ever. She felt a little bit sorry for Jack, because she could see exactly how difficult it would be to keep trying to be friendly with someone who looked so cross. No wonder he’d come and found Dusty the donkey – they were as grumpy as each other!
    But then she noticed something else. Dusty had left the shade of the tree. He was following Sammi – and he wasn’t braying! In fact, he looked quite eager, with his ears pricked forward and a little spring in his stride.
    ‘Sammi!’ she called. ‘Look behind you! Dusty’s following you!’
    The boy looked back at the donkey plodding behind him. And now Dusty raised his head and started braying again at the top of his voice.
    ‘EE-yore! EEEE-yore!’
    Asha put her hands over her ears. Dusty was so loud, and when he brayed it was as though he was warning everyone to stay well away from him. But Sammi didn’t seem to mind at all. He turned around and placed his hand on Dusty’s