Morty and the Twice Fit Mice

Morty and the Twice Fit Mice

Chapter One Sweat trickled into Morty's ears, but he kept on climbing. His eyes were fixed on the metal hook that secured the large rope to the gym ceiling. He climbed the final 2 feet (0. 6 m) and slapped the hook with his paw, while his classmates cheered from below. Morty slid down proudly, ignoring the throbbing rope burn.

" All third graders that climb to the top two times this month will receive the Twice-Fit Mice Award, " Coach Mack announced. “ Does anyone else have the guts to give it a try?" Ben and Fred eagerly raised their paws, and the class watched as they worked their way to the top. " The gym will be available during recess and after school, " Coach Mack said. " You can train until you earn two stars on the chart. If you need any tips, these three can offer some help. " He motioned to Morty, Ben, and Fred. " Good luck, weaklings, " Morty muttered, careful not to let Coach Mack hear.

Chapter Two The next morning Morty's muscles ached and his paws were chafed. " I'm not excited to climb that rope again, " he grumbled on the way to school. “ Me neither! " Ben agreed. “ My arms feel like jelly. " Fred groaned. " At least we don't have to spend more time practicing. " Morty's eyes lit up. “ Game on at my house after school. I just got Mega Mouse Avenger! "

During recess, Morty peered in the open gym door to see Marta on the rope, squirming in vain as she attempted the climb. Marta was Morty's next-door neighbor. “ Marta! " Morty yelled, “ Are those muscles or noodles?" Ben and Fred cackled at the insult and followed Morty to the soccer field. Morty, Ben, and Fred never climbed the rope at recess or after school, and they didn't stay to help their classmates train. Instead, they spent their afternoons playing video games.

" I've looked for you in the gym, " Marta said to Morty one day during lunch. “ Coach said you'd help us with the challenge. " " I've been busy, " Morty said as he munched on some cheese puffs. " I just can't do it, " Marta complained. " I practice and practice, but I can't reach the top. " " You really haven't gotten any better in the last two weeks?" Morty asked. Marta shook her head. " I try to climb higher, but I'm scared I'll fall. " " Well, I definitely can't help you, " Morty said. " You're just a chicken. " Marta looked hurt. Without saying a word she stood abruptly, grabbed her lunch, and went to sit at another table.