chapter eight

The next morning, mouse awoke early and tiptoed across the small room quietly as, well, a mouse. Mouse explored empty streets to find the perfect little market. She bought flour and fruit and eggs and fresh milk all to prepare (in secret) a grand breakfast fit for a king or a mouse or a parrot. She tiptoed around the kitchen and tried hard not to make noise with the cast-iron pots and pans. Parrot was usually a very light sleeper and woke at quiet wind, but parrot felt safe and comfortable under mouse's watch and slept deep. But nothing could keep those sweet aromas from rising parrot and parrot woke to a feast of all the senses. Sunlight came streaming in through the windows. Food was out on the table. And mouse, mouse was smiling puppy smiles, wearing her feather shawl. The puppy smile was a little nervous, "I made breakfast," mouse said.


Illustration: Camilla Engman