27-MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU, TOO!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU, TOO! We sat down to a delicious feast. I was enjoying a plate of steaming nachos when I heard Pinky whispering to Mousella. "I wonder what Sally Ratmousen is doing tonight," she giggled. "What a rotten rat!" Do you know Sally Ratmousen? She runs The Daily Rat. She is my number one enemy. "I heard she's spending Christmas Eve alone," Mousella answered, shaking her head. "Serves her right," Trap added. "That rodent is as mean as a rabid tiger cat!" Right then, Saucy set out

another tray of food. I looked around at the happy snouts of all my guests. Everyone was laughing and squeaking. It was such a warm and friendly sight. Suddenly, I was overcome with sadness. Poor Sally Ratmousen, I thought. Yes, she was my enemy. Yes, she was rude. Yes, she was obnoxious. Yes, she was an all-around pain-in-my-fur, But it was Christmas Eve. No mouse should be alone on such a special night. Before I could stop myself, I picked up the phone and dialed Sally's number. "Hello? Is this Sally Ratmousen? This is Geronimo Stilton," I squeaked. For a moment, there was total silence. Then Sally's gruff voice came over the line. "What do you want, Stilton?" she asked warily.

I explained I was having a Christmas Eve dinner party. Then I asked her to join us. Another long silence followed. I think Sally was in shock. As I said, we are rivals. We don't call each other to talk. We just call each other names. "It's Christmas Eve, Sally," I added. "Let's call a truce," After a while, Sally agreed. "All right," she snorted. "But just this once. And only because it's Christmas." I chuckled. Sally would never change! Three minutes later, she was at my front door. She pawed me a tiny box. "This is for you," she grunted. I opened it. It was a tiny silver frame with Sally's picture in it. "To my friend- foe," Sally had written on the back.

"Merry Christmas while the truth lasts." I grinned. Then I invited her in. "Thanks, Sally," I said. "And Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas to you, too!"