…it wouldn’t have to worry because I would take good care of it.  The neighbor put it in a small candy dish.  Back then, candy came in little dishes with a spoon.  It cost a penny or so.  We would eat the candy and use the dish for something else.  I took it home in a little woven waste - paper basket.  I was so happy Big Momma was going to let me keep it.  I could barely stop myself from checking on it every few minutes to make sure it was okay.  I had to be its mommy because it didn’t have one.

        At one point, Fredi and Bubba were quarantined.  They had something like chicken pox.  We had to hand Fredi her food at the door to the bedroom.  She used to sit at the window because she couldn’t come outside and play.  I was so proud of my new pet.  I stood outside and showed her my mouse.  She cried and screamed and hollered.  “Don’t bring me any food.  Don’t let her near me.  I don’t want that thing in the house.”  She didn’t want anything to do with me or my mouse.  Oh, was she ever upset. 

       Before I went to bed, I put some water in the candy dish, and put my pet in his basket.  Then I laid my clothes on the back of the chair in our room and put my shoes underneath.  Big Momma didn’t like it if we let our rooms get too messy.  I had to be on my best behavior, with my new little friend in the house.  I climbed into bed after saying my prayers, knowing I would get up in the morning and play with my mouse.

       I woke up and went right over to check on the baby.  When my little body let out a giant scream, Big Momma came running into the room.  My tiny adorable mouse had turned over the dish of water and drowned itself.  I was heartbroken.  Fredi always said I was too preoccupied with the humble little creatures.  She just didn’t appreciate my sensibilities when it came to little ones. ….