Remy was a little rat with a very twitchy nose and bright, curious eyes. He lived under the floorboards of Old Man Tiber’s bakery, and every night, after the bakery was closed, Remy would peek out to smell the delicious scents of bread and cookies. He wasn’t allowed to *take* anything, of course, but smelling was a wonderful treat!
One evening, Remy heard a tiny sob. He peeked out and saw Beatrice, a little field mouse, sitting near a stack of flour sacks, looking very upset. “What’s wrong, Beatrice?” Remy squeaked.
Beatrice sniffled. “I… I lost the button from my favorite dress! It was a sparkly blue button, and now I can’t wear it to the Firefly Festival tomorrow night!” Beatrice loved the Firefly Festival, and her sparkly blue dress made her feel so special.
Remy knew Beatrice was very sad. He was a small rat, and sometimes other animals teased him for being small, but he wanted to help. “Don’t worry, Beatrice,” he said bravely. “I’ll help you find it!”
Remy and Beatrice searched everywhere. They looked under the flour sacks, behind the sugar jars, and even inside Old Man Tiber’s big boots! It was a lot of searching for a little rat and a little mouse. Remy almost gave up, but he remembered how sad Beatrice was.
Suddenly, Remy’s twitchy nose twitched even faster! He smelled something… sparkly! He followed the scent to a dark corner behind the oven. And there it was! A tiny, sparkly blue button, caught on a loose thread.
“Beatrice! I found it!” Remy called. Beatrice rushed over and squealed with delight. “Oh, Remy, you’re the best! Thank you!” She carefully sewed the button back onto her dress.
The next night, Remy watched from under the floorboards as Beatrice twirled and danced at the Firefly Festival, her sparkly blue dress twinkling in the light. He felt a warm glow in his chest. He might be a small rat, but he had been a very helpful and brave friend.
Old Man Tiber, who had noticed Remy peeking out, smiled and left a tiny crumb of cheese near the floorboards. Remy nibbled on the cheese, feeling happy and sleepy. Being helpful and brave was the best feeling of all. Now close your eyes, little one, and dream sweet dreams, just like Remy.