by Sarah Earlene Shere, ©2024
(Nov. 16, 2024) — Father Mouse pulled his hat down over his pink ears as Mother Mouse tightened the scarf around her neck. The crisp autumn breeze sent chills through their thin clothes. They glanced one at the other, then each gave a nod, signaling the ability to press onward. Finally, they arrived at their destination of the old woodcutter’s cottage. They scampered up onto a windowsill and pressed their noses against the glass pane. Within the warm golden glow of the cottage was a table laden down with a small feast that made their mouths water. They watched the woodcutter carve the turkey as his wife piled the two dinner plates high with sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, broccoli, stuffing, mashed potatoes, rolls, cornbread, cranberry and olives. The elderly couple exchanged smiles as they served each other then poured rich, creamy gravy over their meat and potatoes.
Mother Mouse tugged on Father Mouse’s coat sleeve and pointed his attention to the fireplace mantel displaying several different pies. Suddenly, from inside, the woodcutter’s cat jumped up onto the sill on the other side of the glass. She narrowed her eyes down at the two mice and swished her tail. The minute couple gazed up with fear. They barely noticed the woodcutter’s wife stepping toward the cat, with a saucer of table scraps, and stroking its back. The cat glanced at the offering, then back at the mice. After a moment’s thought, she leapt down. The mice saw the elderly woman walking away with the saucer. Suddenly, the front door opened and they heard a voice. “I say, this cat never ceases to amaze me. She’s insisting on eating outside!”
The door closed, and the mice stared down at the cat, beside the saucer of food, below them. To their surprise, the cat gave them a slow blink and a nod. Then, stepping back into the corner of the doorway, she curled up, as if to sleep, and purred contentedly. Cautiously, Father and Mother Mouse made their way down and toward the food. Slowly, they began to take and place some of the scraps into sacks they had brought. With five hungry mouths to feed at home, they had come hoping to find crumbs. Never had they dreamt of such a feast! When the sacks were full and it was clear the cat would not trouble them, the minute couple filled themselves, as well.
When they were finished and had started walking away, the cat rose and inspected the saucer for anything that was left. Looking back, Mother Mouse saw that their benefactor was trembling. She realized that the feline had given up her warm place by the fire, besides her own food. With a heart full of gratitude, Mother Mouse ran back to the cat, removed her own scarf and offered it to her. Poor Mother Mouse. It’s all she had to offer. Graciously, the cat received the kind gesture, coming down low and allowing the scarf to be draped over its cold nose.