#AStoryAWeek | Week 11 (Mar 10 - Mar 16): Elodie Pathfinder's Collected Tales of Reason and Ruin - The Cat And The Mouse – An Unlikely Love Affair (Excerpt)

Week 11 | 1,808 Words

Elodie Pathfinder's Collected Tales of Reason and Ruin - The Cat And The Mouse – An Unlikely Love Affair

A Cat, having made the acquaintance of a Mouse, told her so much of the great love and affection that he had for her, that the Mouse flattered and pleased, agreed to live in the same house with the cat, and to have their domestic affairs in common. 

“We must put some food aside for the winter,” said Cat, “or we shall starve.”

“I have a pot of dripping for just that eventuality,” piped up Mouse, “and if we share it carefully it should last us through the coldest of the weather.”

“That is most fortunate!” remarked Cat happily, “we should put it somewhere safe and fetch it back as the nights draw in.” He thought for a moment and then said; “I propose we hide it in the church. No-one will steal it from there.”

“We can conceal it beneath the great steam pipe organ!” added Mouse, “that will doubly safeguard our Winter treasure!”

“Little Mouse, you cannot go anywhere or you may meet with an accident,” said Cat with concern, “I shall take the pot whilst you wait here in safety.” 

Off Cat went, padding down the lane, slinking into the church, and placing the pot of dripping safely behind the ornate and gleaming  pedals of the steam pipe organ. As he turned to leave a sudden burst of steam and sound made him startle and hiss, and he sprung around to see the head of a red squirrel peering down at him from the great keyboard above.

“Good day to you, Sir Cat,” remarked the squirrel, scampering down. “Have you come to seek solitude and a place of prayer? If so I shall leave off my practising for now.”

“Oh no,” answered Cat quickly, “I was just visiting and admiring the steam pipe organ. Pray, continue your rehearsal.” And he scampered from the church.