That Time of Year
written by: Philippa Hawley
It was getting cold when they set off for their regular morning walk. The grass was losing colour, and the leaves were falling like brown notes of money on the path. Penny noticed Timothy was walking with a slight limp, slowing him down. Penny’s legs were stronger, shorter, and rather podgy compared with Timothy’s twiglike specimens, and of course, she walked on four legs rather than just the two.
‘We might not be doing this next week,’ Timothy sighed.
‘Oh, we can keep on trying. It’s good for your legs to have exercise, and I’m a bit overweight, so it helps me too,’ Penny said, giving Timothy a little nudge. He slipped on a pile of soggy leaves, and Penny leaned across to steady him.
‘You can try holding on to me down this slope, you do like it when I’m here to help you, don’t you?’
‘That’s kind, but I don’t think holding on with your tail is very useful,’ Timothy groaned.
The friends made it to the end of the slope, then paused a while to catch their breath.
‘We’re not very fit, are we,’ Penny said.
‘Speak for yourself, I’m fit as a fiddle, a fine specimen; maybe too fine. Have you seen that big van on the bottom road? I think they’ve been planning to take some of my healthier roommates out for a ride.’
‘I thought you seemed dejected, Timothy, so you might enjoy a ride. Can I come too?’ Penny asked.
‘No, dear Penny, you really don’t want to take a ride and nor do I. I’ve been keeping an eye on the van all week, and it always returns empty. I think they are taking our friends to work in a factory. You and I aren’t made for factory work; we were made to be cheerful and jolly and enjoy the countryside.’
‘You’re right, but don’t worry, Timothy, I am good friends with Farmer Fred. He loves me because I’ve been making pretty little piglets for him. I must say it’s been tiring and I could do with a break.’
‘So, I don’t want to go in the van with the other turkeys, and you don’t want to make any more piglets; what shall we do?’
‘Hold on, I have an idea. I know where the big gate is. Let’s walk over there, and I’ll show you how we can leave the farm,’ Penny announced.
‘What leave and run wild you mean? Where would we sleep without a shed?’
‘We can go to the Christmas Tree Forest and make a comfy home there with the deer, the rabbits, and any other wild animals who can teach us to look after ourselves. I’ve trotted over every year, and t’s always decorated with lovely lights. The foresters have a stall selling Christmas puddings.’
‘Sounds great, we could organize a pantomime to boost their visitors’ Christmas celebrations. I could dance with my feathers, and you can sing and make them laugh.’
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