Seeing an Old Friend

Seeing an Old Friend

The wedding was only a few days away. The dress was made. Mrs. Gray was busy preparing the food. She had even sent out invitations to her friends. Thumbelina had to escape. But it was still very cold outside. “ What am I going to do?” she said to herself.

“ Thumbelina, we must leave now. ” Mrs. Gray took her hand. “ Where are we going?” asked Thumbelina. Mrs. Gray’s nose wiggled. “ Mr. Rufus wants you to see your future home, ” she said excitedly. “ He’s invited us for tea. ” Mr. Rufus was waiting by the back door when the mouse opened it.

“ Oh, Mr. Rufus! ” said Mrs. Gray, surprised. “ I had to come and get you, ” he grunted. “ There is a small problem. ” “ What is it?” cried the mouse in alarm. “ The tunnel leading to my home is damaged, ” Mr. Rufus said. “ I will show you. ”

He turned and walked down the dark tunnel. “ Bring the lantern, Thumbelina, ” said Mrs. Gray. “ And stay close to me. ” They followed Mr. Rufus down the dark tunnel. Thumbelina could see only Mrs. Gray’s tail ahead of her. Suddenly Thumbelina saw light up ahead.

The tunnel had caved in from above. A beam of sunshine was shining through the hole. A bird lay on the tunnel floor. It was not moving. “ What happened?” asked Mrs. Gray. “ This nasty bird crashed into our tunnel, ” Mr. Rufus said, poking the bird with his cane.