A tiny mouse was born between two bags of corn kernels in a cargo ship’s hold. Her mother had been chased away and had disappeared out of view. Frightened, the baby mouse snuggled between the bags and waited. The waves rocked the vessel gently and she soon fell asleep.
A loud horn startled her out of her dreams. The ship stopped, and many voices were heard, along with footsteps going back and forth.
The mouse stood still, her heart pounding like a drum, until someone lifted up one of the bags and yelled, "Marcos, hand me the broom. I found another mouse!"
As he turned to look at the mouse again, she had disappeared. She was already making her way out of the boat, scurrying between people's legs, down the ramp and onto the dock. Someone stepped on her tail, she struggled but managed to escape.
The baby mouse stopped running and looked around. The warm sand felt good under her paws. The salty wind blew gently between her ears, carrying dolphins' conversations and seagulls' cries on the beach where she was able to escape to.
The mouse could see the ship from far away. She watched as sailors, appearing to be the size of corn kernels, went up and down the ramp, carrying wooden cases and other supplies.
The baby mouse realized how hungry she was. She chewed on a seaweed and spat it back out. She was lucky enough to find a big, juicy berry to fill up her little stomach. She lingered a bit longer to watch the sunset, reflecting on the sea in a million colors, and then yawned aloud.
Using a piece of sea sponge as a pillow, the little mouse slept in an empty seashell and drifted off to sleep. That was the beginning of her new and wonderful life as a sea mouse.
