05-MOVE YOUR TAIL!

MOVE YOUR TAIL! When I came to, I held up the bill. "Isn't this price a little, um, expensive?" I stammered. Trap shot me a look of pure pity, shaking his head. "Oh, Germeister, you are so behind the times. You really know nothing about the cost of things these days, do you?" he scoffed. "Tsk, tsk." Before I could object, Smoothie jumped in. "If you can't afford this vacation, you should have said so, Gerattimo," he added smugly. "Of course, I do offer rodents with financial troubles the option to pay in installments." My fur turned bright red. I was so embarrassed. I didn't want Smoothie to think I was a cheapskate.

"Well, of course I can pay for this vacation," I MUTTERED. I pulled out my checkbook. "And if the place really is so beautiful and classy, naturally I can understand the expense." Trap grabbed the check from my paw. "Naturally, naturally," he repeated, slapping me on the shoulder. "Now, move your tail, Cousinkins, or you'll miss your plane!" "Bon voyage!" Smoothie shrieked. He pushed me out the door. I grabbed my tail before it got squashed like a pancake. Thirty-five minutes later, I was at the airport. I was a nervous wreck. Did I mention I'm not into last-minute decisions? Still, I have to admit, I was a little excited.

My relaxing vacation was about to begin. Before leaving, I called my sister, Thea. She's The Rodent Gazette's special correspondent. She would take over the newspaper while I was away. Afterward, I called my favorite nephew, Benjamin. He is just a little mouselet, but he has the biggest heart I know. I love him more than all the cheese in the world. "Have a great time, Uncle Geronimo!" he squeaked. "I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back."