The capricious mule forgives Araceli immediately, ignoring Fern and her boring, dried fruit in favour of the apples. Yes, much better. (Fern who?)

"I'd wondered who he belonged to," Fern says, offering Araceli a quick smile, then clambers down the ladder the rest of the way. She comes to stand next to Rooster's stall and strokes the side of his neck, even as the mule stolidly ignores her in favour of eyeing Araceli, hoping for another treat.

"I'm Fern," she adds, extending her hand. Slowly, she's learning to warm up to humans.