Kael, a scarred donkey who trusts no human, lives in a high meadow alone. Rain, a younger jenny (female donkey), is brought by a hiker’s camp. Kael ignores her. Rain leaves a single apple near his rock every dawn. He eats it after she leaves. For 40 days.

Donkeys are often portrayed as steadfast, humble, and a bit stubborn. The storylines would lean into

: Modern iterations of the character are frequently accompanied by his established girlfriend, Candy Kong

Unlike some livestock that follow a rigid herd hierarchy, donkeys often choose their partner based on temperament. It’s not always about mating; two geldings (neutered males) or two jennies (females) can form a life-long "exclusive relationship" that mimics the loyalty of a long-term human couple.

Because of their capacity for loyalty, donkeys have often been used in literature to represent steadfast, albeit tragic, devotion.