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Mouse

March 20, 2017 5 Comments

Mouse
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“We have a rodent problem,” Sophia says.

She’s right. I’ve seen it. The mouse creeps into our kitchen at night to harvest breadcrumbs from the floor. It’s skinny as a wishbone. Our leavings must seem like a feast.

Like most things, the mouse is my fault.

“Put traps down,” says Sophia. “Take action, for once!”

I take a biscuit. I’m not allowed biscuits before meals.

“Live and let live,” I say, before I can stop myself.

The tirade descends.

My hands drop to my sides. I bow my head as she scolds, and watch the dusty crumbs trickle between my fingers.

By Hannah Froggatt

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. dontassone says

    March 20, 2017 at 6:20 am

    What a poignant little story. It’s as if the mouse and the child are one. Great last line. Well done!

    Reply
    • Benita Wiggins says

      March 20, 2017 at 10:55 am

      I don’t think this is a child. “Take action for once!” I think it is her husband.

      Reply
  2. Bobby Warner says

    March 20, 2017 at 10:50 am

    Good for the young mouse-lover. Why not? After all, there seems to be only one mouse.

    Reply
    • Benita Wiggins says

      March 20, 2017 at 10:58 am

      You’ve obviously never had mice in your house! (Maybe you are her husband? Ha, Ha.)

      Reply
  3. Jack says

    March 20, 2017 at 1:52 pm

    I like this story and the way the scold’s words effectively turn on her.

    Reply

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