Morty and the Oatmeal Babysitter

Morty and the Oatmeal Babysitter

Morty is a very mischievous mouse who always does very mischievous things. Morty's day started off badly at breakfast. Morty poured Cheesie O's into his bowl. All three Cheesie O's that is. Someone had eaten the rest and left the empty box in the pantry. He may have done it. He wasn't sure. Now his options for breakfast were bleak.

Mother placed a bowl of hot oatmeal in front of Morty. He didn't look up. He was staring at Where in the Attic Is Marvin Mouse? on the back of the Cheesie O's box, trying to decode the clues. When Morty finally stuck his spoon into the bowl, the oatmeal was cold and thick. He didn't dare eat it-it could get stuck in his throat! I'll skip breakfast, he thought. Besides, his favorite television show was about to start.

" Morty, I have a special favor to ask you, " Mother said, turning down Mega Mouse at the most exciting part. “ I need to go help Aunt Edna for a bit. Would you please mouse-sit your brothers and sisters?" " Uh-huh, " Morty answered, without taking his eyes from the TV.

" I don't want you to have any friends in the house. Don't let your brothers or sisters leave the yard either. I should be home in just a few hours. " Mother paused and added, “ If all goes well while I'm gone, I'll take you, Ben, and Fred to the circus tomorrow. " At this, Morty looked up. “ Really? The circus? That sounds great! " What could be better than going to the circus with his two best friends? Morty could already smell the cheese popcorn and feel the excitement of the big tents, arcade games, and daring tricks. Mother planted a kiss on Morty's ear and made one final request: “ Please be good. " After she left, Morty cranked up the volume on Mega Mouse. His six brothers and sisters were outside playing. Maybe I'll just stay on the sofa and watch TV until Mom gets home, he thought. But it sure would be great if there were some Cheesie O's to munch on. A little while later, Morty heard the doorbell ringing. He scampered to the door. When he opened it, Ben and Fred began squeaking at once.

" The circus--it's here! " Ben said. " You have to come now. They're setting up. We can sneak under the back fence to see everything! " " Yeah, everything-elephants, tigers, the sword swallower, and the fire-breathing mouse! " Fred added. “ Come on! Right now! We can see the stuff that most mice never get to see! " Ben said. Morty thought, I'll go for only a few minutes, but who can watch the mice if I go? I'd have to be home before Mom comes back. Then Morty had a very mischievous idea.