The Mystery of the Glimmer-Mouse

Alice woke up. Sunlight danced on her patchwork quilt. "Good morning, world!" she cheered, stretching her arms wide.

She helped Mom make breakfast. Fluffy pancakes and sweet berry jam. School was waiting, full of new adventures!

At school, Alice learned about faraway stars. Her mind filled with sparkling new ideas and cosmic wonders.

Evening came. After dinner, Alice snuggled into bed with her favorite book, "The Sleepy Starfish."

But sleep didn't come easily. *Scratch, scritch.* Something tiny crawled on her bed, near her toes.

Alice gasped! Her heart thumped like a drum. What was that soft, tickly feeling?

She slowly peeked over the covers. Nothing. Just her soft blanket. Alice shivered. Was it a dream?

She tried to close her eyes again. *Scritch, scritch.* There it was! Alice was too scared to move a muscle.

Next morning, Mom asked gently, "How was your sleep, sweet pea? You look a little tired."

"Mom," Alice whispered, "something crawled in my bed last night. Something tiny and quick."

Mom's smile faded. Her eyes grew wide with concern. "Oh, Alice," she breathed, looking thoughtful.

"This old house," Mom explained softly, "was once a home for lost little creatures, long, long ago."

"Perhaps," Mom decided, a little worried, "we need a new home. Somewhere safe and new for us."