06-I'M A TRUE GENTLEMOUSE!

I'M A TRUE GENTLEMOUSE! Thea twirled her whiskers, peering into my face, "What's the matter, Geronimo?" she said. "Usually I'm the one who wants to travel. I always have to drag you out of your mouse hole kicking and squeaking." "She's right, Cousin," Trap added. "UM, I think that helmet IS ROASTING YOUR LAST BRAIN CELL. Maybe you should pull the plug." I went to my closet. I pulled out my luggage. "I know what I'm doing! I am going, and I'm going right now!" I cried. "Professor

von Volt needs my help! Unlike you two, I'm a true gentlemouse. I don't need you!" "Thea flicked her tail. "So you don't need us, huh?" she smirked. Trap shook his head, His eyes twinkled. "He says he doesn't need us," he scoffed. I picked up the phone. I'd show them, I decided. I'd be fine on my own. Nobody could stop me. "Please send a taxi to Number Eight Mouseford Lane! Right away!" I squeaked. I raced into my bedroom. I stuffed a pair of warm pants, a few sweaters, and a heavy winter jacket into my suitcase. "It's

very cold in the Himalayas," I grumbled, wrapping a wool scarf around my neck, I closed the suitcase. Then I headed for the door. My cousin and Thea just stared. "I'm off to the airport. I'll catch the first flight to KATHMANDU," I announced solemnly. Then I turned around. "You know, friendship is very important to me," I said. "If a friend asks for my help, I'll do anything for him. I'll even climb Mouse Everest! But if you don't want to come with me, it's all right. I can take care of myself. Good- bye... this could be our last farewell!" What a great exit line. I felt like a real hero. I was brave. I was adventurous. I flung open the door. Yes, I was off on a DANGEROUS journey. Off to the cold, treacherous

Himalayan mountain range. And I was doing it all in the name of friendship. What a mouse I am, I told myself. A mouse of real character. Unfortunately, my touching exit was spoiled by my cousin Trap. "Hey, Gerry

Rat!" he called after me. "Maybe you should take off that ridiculous helmet before you leave. You don't want your cab driver laughing too hard. He might drive off the road and crash!" I turned to make another speech but never got the chance. Instead, I tripped over my scarf and fell flat on my snout, crushing my whiskers. I heard Trap chuckling. "Himalayas, my paw!" he laughed. "'That stumble mouse will be lucky if he makes it to the airport!!!!