The time passed slowly in the hold.
Many of the frightened girls-turned-donkey brayed in protest. Addison couldn't understand what they were trying to say, but their meaning was perfectly clear.
They wanted out.
Addison shared their frustrations.
Her companion started braying as well, betraying her fear.
"Would you please stop that?" Addison tried to say to her, hearing only brays coming from her mouth.
But to her surprise, her companion obeyed, staring at her in surprise. "I understood that," She said after a few seconds. "Are you talking?"
Addison didn't exactly hear a voice coming from the other donkey, but she somehow comprehended what the brays meant. She said this to her 'roommate', who nodded thoughtfully.
"I'm Layla, by the way," She introduced herself.
"I'm Addison."
"I'd say nice to meet you, but it doesn't seem right," Layla snorted, lashing her tail.
"I understand," said Addison. "How did they do this? Why turn us all into donkeys?"
"For money," Layla answered, as if it should be obvious. "My dad is always saying that he needs donkeys for our farm. We're in high demand."
Addison considered this, remembering a donkey on her dad's boss's farm that had died from being overworked.
“But why only females?” Addison asked again.
“My dad also says that female donkeys are more docile and loyal than the males, they live more and have practically the same strength and dexterity as male ones. Also the females can breed mules and produce donkey milk. The donkey milk is expensive and very appreciated. We are a good business”. Layla said with some pride.
“Is that my future? Being milked and breeding mules?” cried Addison. Her stomach churned as she found herself wondering if that donkey could have actually been a girl like her.
"We're going to be put to work," Layla realized. "Hard work, the funny thing is, we kind of deserve this. We were stupid enough to fall into the Coachwoman's trap."
"As stupid as donkeys," Addison spat bitterly. "But don't you think we might be able to become girls again? I don't want to stay naked like this forever."
"I don't know," said Layla. "But if we can be turned into donkeys, maybe we can be turned back into girls. But I don't have a clue how to do it. Being naked though . . ." Layla tilted her head slightly, in an impression of a shrug, ". . . it's not that bad."
Addison fell silent, unable to comprehend deriving pleasure from such an experience, and heard Penny talking from a few crates over.
Addison knew there wasn't anything she could do for the moment, except maybe get some sleep and wait for the ferry to reach the mainland.
The idea of arriving on the mainland completely naked, even with her body as changed as it had been, was a frightening prospect. She’d seen how people looked down on jennies as dumb animals, and knew this was the fate that now stood before her.
She only hoped that whoever was buying Layla and her might treat them decently.