‘The Deal’

(Fun Fiction of Animal Farm)

By Cevasco Néstor

 

Boxer, the hard working horse, was being taken to Hospital in a van which had these words printed: ‘Slaughterer-House.’ Then, he was thrown over a cold bed, where he remained all the night in a desolate, dark room, waiting to be transformed into sausages to be devoured by humans. Soon afterwards, he heard a powerful hum and a bright light came across the window. Suddenly, a ghost appeared flying over the ceiling. Terrified by the spectrum, which seemed to be contemplating his countenance, Boxer remained trembling underneath the blankets, not daring to move or breathe. Likewise, he perceived this ghost to be a sort of angel trying somewhat to establish communication with him. Surprisingly, the ghost flew across the ceiling of the room in the most terrifying manner, and levitating over the horse, brought into the open:

‘Good night, Boxer. Don’t be afraid. If so, you will ruin this conversation. So please, try to control your panic and don’t doubt.’

‘Get out of here!’ ‘Don’t dare approach to me!’ shouted Boxer obviously in panic.

    The ghost went on: ‘Oh, come on! Stop shouting like that! Could you hear my speech, please?’ ‘You know, I’ve been observing the hideous situation of pig’s exploitation in Animal Farm. Frankly speaking, I detest having to appreciate the selfish and un-animal manner in which Napoleon treats the worker animals. It is as if Napoleon’s impositions should be accepted without extrication. I can’t bear this any longer! Let’s make a deal: promise me to help your animal mates from this adverse situation and all your pains and illness will automatically swear off. Otherwise, you’ll have to remaining this cold, dark and desolate room until the slaughterer resolves to quit your life. In sum, I want you to generate a revolution among the animals to overthrow those naughty pigs from Animal Farm for ever.’

‘Who are you?’ stammered Boxer revealing still his panic and doubt.

‘Does it matter who I am?’ asked the Ghost. Now, listen please: can you remember when the animals had to bear similar bad working conditions in old manor farm?

‘Yes, sure I can’ ‘How could an animal forget such an un-animal treatment’ remarked Boxer in a more relaxed way.’

The ghost went on: ‘Well, this is the main pretext used by the revolutionist pigs to carry out their first revolt against Manor Farm. But, bear in mind this: that Napoleon also used this excuse pretty well to perpetuate himself as the master of the farm. Once in power, he promised better working conditions, a series of new rights, alienation from human trade, freedom from oppression and so on. However, he has been trading with humans all the same, for oppression won’t cease among you whatsoever. In addition to all this, a general state of unhappiness is by far notorious on everybody’s faces in the stable. So please, try to consider my proposal if you want to see yourself cured.’

‘Okay, what is the proposal?’ asked Boxer more convinced.

The ghost melted into the air leaving a piece of paper over the floor with instructions to follow:

    ‘First, cave a deep hollow near the pig’s house. Second, throw some fresh meat in it to attract Napoleon’s dogs, the farm repressive mechanism. Third, when these dogs will have the chance to be near that hollow searching for food, try to pull them into it. Fourth, your animals should be organized into groups to give them tasks like catching the pigs. Finally, provided this step is achieved, Animal Farm will be yours. In case you need me, I will be over a tree to observe and protect you. This time you won’t be alone. Believe me. Bye.’

     Surprisingly, a strong gale made the paper fly outside the room. Ill as he was, the horse could not recover it and got deeply asleep that night. Eventually, when he got up, he remembered the encounter with the ghost doubting nonetheless about the dialogue between them. Incredibly, when the horse began to move, all the pains and illness ceased miraculously for he stood up and went outside to start trotting towards Animal Farm. Half way, a piece of paper flying across the air hit with force on his face for he had to stop. As soon as he read it, he immediately remembered that piece of paper belonged to the ghost. Now, Boxer had a task to fulfil since there was a deal between him and the friendly ghost.