‘TIS BETTER TO GIVE THAN RECEIVE

by PearlAnn SnowStar

Mouse had to find Vincent. Project. He noticed there was no curtain down at his chamber. But he heard

Catherine’s voice. He paused.

“Jacob, it is better to give than receive.” Catherine’s tone of voice was firm, yet gentle.

“Mom, “ Jacob moaned, “Caroline took my stuffed toy, my favorite!”

“There is no need to yell at her, though. She is a toddler.”

There was a pause. Mouse went in. Catherine was holding her son, Charles, who was looking more and more like Vincent every day. The baby was sound asleep. Jacob was fidgeting. Mouse understood what it was like to get scolded.

Caroline looked at him. “Mouse!”

Catherine looked up. “Mouse…”

“Need Vincent. Project. Not here, will go.” Mouse hesitated.

“Yes?” Catherine looked at him.

“Better to give than receive? Not Christmas.” Mouse looked at Jacob, who started to smile. Caroline just folded her arms.

“Mouse, giving does not have to be only for Christmas. With Winterfest coming up, as well as Valentine’s Day, it’s a perfect time to show love by giving. And it does not have to be a gift. It could be a kind gesture.”

“Or doing chores for someone!” Mouse got excited. “OK good.” He quickly left.

Forgetting about the Project that Father had mentioned, he thought about the day’s events. All he kept doing was getting in the way or causing trouble. He felt as though the others thought him to be a bit of a bother. But that was today. Maybe tomorrow?

He paused. Make better yes! And off he went down the passageways.

* * *

The next day, Mouse quickly scampered through the passageways. “Great idea. Hard to do. Great idea,” he continued mumbling over and over. His arms were holding a very stuffed bag.

He found Mary in her chamber, knitting. Perfect.

“Mary!” he called out.

“Mouse, come in.”

Mouse quickly ran in, reached into his bag, and dropped off balls of blue, purple, and green yarn.

“Mouse, where did you…?”

“Found…give…bye.” Quickly he ran out.

Mouse found Jamie in an empty chamber. She was practicing with her crossbow. As he was coming up quickly behind her, she turned.

“Mouse, I nearly shot you!”

Mouse reached into his bag. “For you,” he said as he handed her some arrow tips.

“What?” Jamie looked so surprised.

Mouse felt good. He surprised her. “Gotta go…better to give…” Then he scampered away.

Mouse found Rebecca with some other women, making the Winterfest candles.

“Mouse, come to help us?” Olivia asked as he walked up to Rebecca.

“Maybe this helps,” he said as he handed Rebecca a box.

Rebecca opened the box. “Used crayons and just the right color. Mouse, thank you.”

Mouse did not know why, but he was starting to feel good inside. Quickly, he scampered away.

* * *

Mouse was tired, but now he understood. Although back in his chamber, he had some items left. Must go. He turned to go out and bumped into Vincent.

“Vincent! You knew?”

“That you have been surprising people with gifts?” Vincent looked at him. “They are very much appreciated Mouse, but…”

“Mouse know. Not Christmas. Winterfest. Something called Valentine’s Day.” Mouse fidgeted. “Items for you. Catherine. Family.”

He pulled out a small chess set, a stuffed rabbit, and a small plastic rose plant in a pot. Vincent looked at the items and watched as Mouse put them back into the bag and handed the bag to Vincent.

“Give to you. Catherine. Family.” Mouse was beaming.

Vincent shook his head. “Thank you, Mouse, but…”

“Catherine said. Better to give. Said to children.” Mouse picked up a holder for eyeglasses.

“Mouse, you overheard Catherine say that?”

Mouse nodded. “Told Jacob.” Mouse noticed a smile on Vincent’s lips.

“Catherine did tell me that Jacob and Caroline were fighting over a toy and that she wanted Jacob to be a little more understanding.” Vincent looked at him. “But why…”

“Show love.” Mouse blushed. He looked at the eyeglasses holder. “Gotta go. Last gift.”

He rushed past Vincent, who had a surprised look on his face.

Mouse quickly ran into the Library Chamber. Father turned.

“Mouse, where have you been? Vincent came by recently and let me know that you, once again, forgot about an important project.”

Mouse gave Father the eyeglasses holder.

“Mouse what, where…” Father looked at the holder.

“For you.” Mouse ran out of the chamber.

Mouse started to hum to himself. Catherine right. Felt good inside.

He was still humming to himself as he returned to his chamber.