Winter of the White Mice
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by Linda J. Tatum
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Winter was coming and Mathias thought this year would be just like all the others,
but to his surprise, this year was going to be very different. Every
year Mathias would decide where to move his tiny village before winter set in.
He usually found it to be an easy task, there was always a field or an
abandoned shed, but he had no thoughts as to where to go this year. He needed
to find a place soon; winter was fast approaching.
His friends suggested some places to move, but Mathias just didn’t think they were
good enough for his village. Sebastian said, “How about under that tree log?”
Joshua said, “How about under that bridge?” Mathias had a big problem.
There were around 50 in his little village; which consisted of family and friends.
He was very proud of his village, everyone got along most favorably. Mathias
became leader of the village when his father died. He learned a lot from his
father and now Mathias asked himself, “What would my father do at a time like
this?” Mathias took a long walk to think; hoping an idea would come to him.
There were many homes nearby, where the tall people lived. It was never a good idea
to get too close; Mathias’ father always told him it was a dangerous place.
Something made Mathias slowly walk up to a home; he thought, “It’s so big
wouldn’t this be the perfect place to live this winter?”
Mathias needed to be courageous and explore this possible winter home. As he got
closer, he noticed there was a tree right outside the upstairs window. “What
wonderful luck” thought Mathias, “I’ll climb up the tree and take a look
inside.” When he got to the top and looked in, Mathias could hardly control
his joy; the room he was looking at would be perfect. While he was looking in,
two tall people came into the room; Mathias quickly hid behind a leaf so he
would not be seen. He needed to think of a way that he and his village could
share this room with the tall people. Now Mathias needed to get back home to
discuss a plan to move.
On his way home, Mathias knew his idea of sharing with the tall people would not
please everyone in his village. He felt by taking this bold move, his village
would be very safe for the winter.
When he arrived, the whole village welcomed him back since Mathias was gone for a very
long time. Each one wanted to know what Mathias was thinking. Mathias took a
deep breath and told everyone to gather in the village square. "Listen
everyone, I have wonderful news to share with you." "I found the perfect
winter home for our village", Mathias said. The crowd started cheering and
wanted to hear more. Mathias continued, "I took a walk where the tall people
live and found an attic which I wish to share with them."
The village couldn't believe what they were hearing. One by one they started to
yell, "No, we cannot do that, it is not safe!" Mathias tried to quiet the
crowd, "Please, it will be okay, I know it will." "I have faith that this move
is the right decision." Well, the village got quiet and tried to understand
what Mathias was saying.
Ever since he became the leader of the village, Mathias never steered them in the
wrong direction; maybe they should have faith in his word. So, the village
began to get ready for the move. They worked all day and sometimes into the
night. Finally it was time. Mathias took the lead of this vagabond group and
they started their trek. It wasn't long till they had arrived at their new
home.
Now, Mathias had to get them into the house without the tall people seeing them. He
climbed up the same tree he had used before and began to sneak his village in.
To his surprise, it was very easy. He told them to hide in a corner till he
thought it was safe. When the last of his friends were in the house, Mathias
was able to relax.
He told everyone to be quiet while he looked around the room. It still seemed safe
enough and there was no sign of any tall people. Just as Mathias was ready to
explore the rest of the attic, one of the children yelled, "It's snowing!"
Everyone ran to the window to look. Yes, it had begun to snow. Mathias was
happy that he had gotten his village moved in time, but he still wanted to be
sure this attic was safe. Again he told everyone to hide and he continued to
explore the room.
When Mathias returned, he had a smile on his face. He knew the attic was going to
make a good home for the winter. The tall people never bothered them and they
were able to get on with their lives. Mathias realized how blessed his tiny
village was.
Each spring, Mathias would move his village back into the woods and when
winter came again, he moved them to the same attic where the tall people
lived.
