Männerfreundschaft

Andy was going on vacation and left Tricky at Meadowland for the time being.

Jamie: “Well, have you finally gotten yourself a horse your own size?”

Gillian: “That’s Tricky. He herds sheep with Andy. Tricky loves sheep and always stays with them. Andy’s on vacation, so Tricky’s staying here.”

I brought Tricky to our sheep. Jamie was checking on the cows at the time. Suddenly, Tricky was right behind him.

Jamie: “Hey Tricky, where did you come from? I don’t have time — I have to work. I’ll take you back to the sheep.”

Which he did.

Jamie: “There we go. Now stay here, and I’ll come back later.”

Jamie was watering the horses in the pasture when he noticed someone watching him.

Jamie: “Tricky, I can see you standing behind the fence watching me. What do you want from me?”

I went to the outdoor stable to call Jamie for dinner. There stood Jamie, Epico — and Tricky.

Jamie: “Gillian, he’s following me everywhere. I bring him back to the sheep and suddenly he’s right next to me again, just watching me.”

Gillian: “I told you — he loves sheep. Maybe you should shave your beard so he can tell you’re not one. I’ll take him back now, and then we’ll eat.”

We had just sat down at the table when something appeared outside the window.

Jamie: “Please tell me I’m imagining things and I’m not actually seeing someone watching us from outside. I think a serious men’s talk is necessary.”

Gillian: “No, Jamie — this time you’re not imagining things. I can’t stop laughing. Looks like you’ve found a friend for life.”

After dinner, I went to the stable. Jamie was sitting on the bench under the tree, and Tricky stood right in front of him. Gillian (thoughts): “There he is, having a serious men’s conversation with Tricky. It doesn’t look very serious, but Tricky is listening attentively. Jamie looks so happy. Those two really found each other.” From that moment on, everything changed. A true men’s friendship had formed. Wesley let Tricky out in the mornings, and he waited in front of the house until Jamie finally came outside — then ran toward him, beaming.

Jamie: “Tricky, my friend — good morning!”

They spent the entire day together. At work, during breaks… Tricky was allowed everywhere. In the evenings, Jamie brought him back to his stall and carefully made sure Tricky had everything he needed for a good night. Then came the day when Andy came to pick Tricky up.

Andy: “Oh Tricky, I missed you so much!”

Jamie was clearly feeling a bit of farewell pain and whispered to me:

Jamie: “Do you think he’d agree to joint custody?”

I comforted him. Andy’s sheep pasture was only a few minutes away from Meadowland. He could visit his friend whenever he wanted.