A Little Stranger in Nool
by: Terrell James
Chapter 1: Morton's Surprise
One afternoon in the Jungle of Nool, Morton the mouse sped across the jungle, looking for Horton. As soon as he went to the tree, he stopped and saw this older mouse with light blue fur and dark blue stripes and green eyes and he stared at Morton too.
He looked nervous and said, "What are you staring at?"
The older mouse came to Morton and looked very surprised. He stared at him deeply and Morton felt a little intimidated. Then, he said, "Morton..."
He gasped softly and whispered, "How did you know my name?"
"I've known you your whole life. I'm the one you left behind when you were so young. Now look at you. You've grown into a young mouse like I pictured it." said the older mouse.
"So far, I don't know who you are and already you're freaking me out. You know me and somehow, I don't know you, so why are you familiarizing me anyway?" asked Morton, in fear.
Realizing that Morton doesn't recognize him, he sighs heavily and said, "Well, I thought that you should remember me, but I guess I was wrong. See you around, son."
As the older mouse sped away quickly, Morton felt a little twinge inside of him and from the moment when he called him, 'son', he soon realized that it was his father. He got up down to his knees in a branch and sighed slowly to himself.
Later on, Morton saw Horton walking by and decides to catch up with him. Horton looked at Morton and he can see that he's somehow, emotionally vulernable and surprised. He came over to him and said, "Morton, what's wrong? You look like somebody just bruised you."
Morton looked up to him and said, "Horton, I think I found something that I never looked for a long time ago."
"What did you find?" asked Horton.
Morton sighed heavily and said, "I found my father."
Horton raised his eyes and asked, "How did you find him?"
"Actually, he found me and I didn't even know him at first, but when I recognized him, when I really didn't, I can tell that he's quicker than me. I never felt like he's been around me for so long. All I remember is that he's been in and out of my life since I was young. I didn't know that he's coming back to see me again." said Morton.
"How do you figure?" asked Horton.
"I wish I knew, dude."
"Well, don't worry, buddy. Whatever happens, know that I'm always gonna be here for you." said Horton.
Morton chuckles softly and said, "Thanks, man. Somehow, I wish I wonder why he left me."
"Maybe you should ask him later. All I can say to you is, best of luck." said Horton.
"Okay, thanks." said Morton.
Later on in the evening, Morton went back to the tree only to find that his father inside there, waiting for Morton to show up. He came closer to him and he said, "Son, I know you don't recognize me or remember me at all, but I am your father."
"You know what? It's okay. I remember you or recognize you now. I just didn't see you when you ran off quickly." said Morton.
He chuckled nervously and said, "You-you saw me ran off speedily?"
"Yeah, You are faster than me, even though I didn't know how to." said Morton.
"But, at least you learned how to now."
"I guess you're right."
"Son, you look so much older and so mature. What's changed?" he asked.
Morton smiled and said, "Growth, puberty and awesomeness. Basically, I'm just your full-grown mouse."
His dad laughed and said, "Oh, son, it's kinda great to be back. It's been so long."
"19 years, actually." said Morton.
"Has it been that long?" asked his father.
"Yeah, it has."
"Well, don't worry, son. I'm pretty sure I won't leave you behind again, at least I hope not." said his father.
"What are the chances of you leaving again?" asked Morton.
"I'm not sure."
His father walked back to the tree and Morton was a little surprised, but sometimes he got this feeling as if he's not gonna be around longer, and that he'll leave him behind again. He thinks that it won't be possible, but it will. He sighed heavily and shook his head and felt kinda scared about him leaving again. So, he went to his tree in hopes that this feeling will go away.