Melvin twitched his whiskers. He was excited and nervous. Today was the big day.​

It was Wednesday. The day when Mr. Mog cleaned out Melvin’s cage. Goodbye, yucky old wood shavings. And goodbye Melvin. Today he was determined to escape.​

Mr. Mog opened the cage. He scooped out the old shavings. Melvin waited for the perfect moment. As soon as Mr. Mog turned his back to get the fresh shavings, Melvin ran!​

Melvin ran across the classroom and into a hole below the blackboard. He peeked out to see if Mr. Mog had noticed. He had not! ​

This hole would be Melvin’s new home. From here he could still see his friends in the classroom, but he could come and go as he pleased. Melvin wiggled his tail in happiness. But then Melvin got a surprise.​

There was another mouse in the hole! Melvin was not expecting another mouse. Would this mouse be a friend?​

​”Hello, I’m Melvin,” said Melvin.​ “I’m Frank,” said the other mouse. “I’ve been watching you in your cage.”​

“I’m free of the cage now,” said Melvin. ​ “You are,” said Frank. “And now where will you go?”​

”Here?” asked Melvin. “I’m good company. And I know which kids have the best snacks in their lunch boxes.”​

“Sounds good to me!” said Frank. ​ ”Me too,” said Melvin. He closed his eyes in contentment. He was home.