Consequence

The racket from the next room was absolutely deafening. Scraping noises – were they moving furniture? And feet – lots of feet. And loud music!

Millie assumed a fetal position, tucking her head and covering her ears. She needed to sleep! Didn’t they know sleep deprivation was dangerous when you were pregnant? She would be worthless tomorrow, and she had children to care for.

Sam slept on, oblivious, which ticked Millie.

She tried alternate positions, but that didn’t help. She’d had enough.

“Sam!” No response. She kicked him. “They’re at it again. Do something.”

“About what?” He mumbled.

“The racket! I can’t sleep. Bad things happen when mothers can’t sleep, Sam.”

Sam stared. All he heard was her squeaky little voice droning on.

“We have to move!” Millie announced.

“Move?” Sam was now fully awake. “Leave the best place we’ve ever had? It’s warm. There’s plenty of food.”

“I can’t take it, Sam. You sleep through it every night. A new place, Sam, find me a new place! Tonight.”

He gave a deep sigh of acceptance and stretched. Whatever Millie wanted, Millie got.

Creeping to their little door, he checked the hallway, making a mad dash for the door. He squeezed through the crack in the frame.

Looking around, he spied the barn. Maybe a quiet corner without too many hazards.

Sam considered his life. Over Dad’s advice, Millie had convinced him to pair with her. She was nervous, Dad warned, and demanding. But Sam was swayed by her plump body and soft hair.

Now here he was, dashing through the night, preparing to move a pregnant wife and five children!

He should have listened to Dad, who had 132 children and an equally nervous mate!

Ah, the fate of a father mouse!

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