Duck!

We are returning from our ride in the state forest, Sabina on Tornado, me on foot. We're back in our paddock, slowly meandering down the hill. When suddenly. Duck! There, on the ground. It looks like it has just gone for a snooze. Sabina is very curious, "why is it there mama? what is it doing mama?". "It's sleeping", I respond, "it is going to sleep for a long time".

Later that day we return to take another look at the duck. Sabina has brought a stick - she has been told she cannot touch it with her hand. It lies peacefully still in the grass. Intact. Sabina gently touches the beak with the stick. "Why is it not moving mama?". "It's asleep". "When will it wake up?" "It won't wake up for a very long time". "Why does it sleep in the day? Will it wake up when it's night? Why is it sleeping? Can we roll it over?". "Yes". On the other side, it's also intact. Almost. There is a small dark red crusty spot where the bullet entered. "What's that mama?" "It's an 'auw-wa' (a point where he's been hurt)". "Ah-ha. Why is there an auw-wa there? Why is he asleep? When will he wake up? Why is he not moving mama?". "He will be asleep for a very long time. Come, we should go now". "I will stroke him, maybe he will feel better and wake up sooner", Sabina gently strokes the duck with the stick. "Yes, I am sure the stroking feels very nice". We take one last look and retreat.