The Gentlemouse and the Jar

Feb 10, 2008 - 11:24 AM PST

The black and white linoleum tile reflected the dull sunlight that slanted through an open window. A thin white curtain blew about gently. To the left of the open window there was a simple oaken cabinet fastened to the wall. Under the cabinetry was a dull yellow counter top, scratched and showing the marks of age. The counter wrapped around the inside of the west and south walls and stuck out to form a U shape. Directly in the center of the counter was a sink and an empty dish rack. On the far side from the window there was a ceramic cookie jar. It was in the shape of a mouse maid and glistened in the afternoon sun. Above all a ceiling fan spun around slowly.

The cookie jar was so life like that a gentlemouse, who lived in the pantry, would forgo the plentiful pleasantries of the close by pantry stock to risk tea with the pretty figurine. The gentlemouse would take a single tea bag from the pantry and best the perils of crossing the broad floor between the pantry and his sweetheart. He

would sit in the company of the mousemaid and drink dainty amounts of tea from a bottle cap he used as a tea cup. After his tea he would get a cookie from his sweetheart. Then he would pick up his meal and leave the counter spotless, but not before kissing his sweetheart good-bye. Thus were his customary visits to the one he loved and adored.

Every day he looked forward to these leisurely moments he spent with her. Then one day all was changed. One afternoon without warning, in the middle of the mouse s tea time, a dog burst through the kitchen door, shattering the peace that had reigned moments earlier. Before the dog, ran an old gray cat, screeching and clawing about in fright. The mouse impulsively went to the aid of the old, gray cat cornered between the U shaped counter and the frightful looking dog.

He grabbed the cookie jar and tucked it beneath his arm. Executing a mighty jump he grasped the cord hanging from the fan and swung about, landing on the counter slightly behind the back of the snarling dog. He braced himself for his next move as the dog prepared to spring on the cat. The mouse gave the jar a shove just as the dog began to spring. Time stood still for a moment. Then there was a loud, dull crash as the jar, his sweetheart, shattered on the back of the dog. The dog was stunned. He gave a shrill bark and turned and ran wounded from the house.

All was still for a moment. Then, the cat looked puzzled. Who was his savior? Who was the soul to perform such a gallant act? He looked around but the house appeared empty, save the pieces of cookies mixed with the remains of the jar. By now, the mouse had found an edge of dish towel to return to the ground with. He introduced himself to the grateful cat and looked sadly upon the scene on the floor. The broken cookie jar lay there dull, not reflecting any light. Without the splendor of the light reflecting upon its smooth face, it was just a jar. The mouse wept.

Tears rolled mercilessly down his face. His joy was gone. There was no point to live. The cat put a reassuring paw gently upon the mouse's back. "Thank you, friend." He said. "I am deeply indebted to you for that act of bravery." The mouse turned and the cat saw that he had stopped crying. "Cheer up, friend. Besides, life is in you today and you make your tomorrow."

The mouse brightened up further,"You think so?" he said, incredulously.

"I know so," said the cat wisely.