Tapping softly outside Jacob's chamber entrance, she was rewarded by the sound of his voice, still somewhat emersed in a volume of Shakespeare. "Come in Mary...I was just about to have a cup of tea...will you join me?" he asked with a smile. "Tea would be nice, Jacob ... I'm afraid I allowed my last cup to get cold" she confessed.

As he poured her a cup from the battered pot, encased in a colorful tea cozy, he watched her carefully. THIS isn't just a social call, is it?" he asked with a note of concern. "No, Jacob, it isn't ... I'm worried about ..." "Oh good heavens, what's the boy done now...has something burst or exploded?"

Mary allowed a small smile to break thru, then answered "I wish it were something that simple ... I'd welcome either one, but I'm afraid it's more complex than that. He's been most preoccupied all week and tonight he missed supper. I'm wondering if some of the old memories from his past are surfacing" Mary said with a look of obvious concern.

Jacob thought for a moment, then said "Perhaps you're right, Mary...I've noticed that he's not been his usual self but that thought hadn't occurred to me!"

"I can't help but wonder if it's all this talk and planning for the Mother's Day luncheon too, Jacob. I'm sure there are times when Mouse must wonder about his mother," Mary continued. Jacob sighed, as he was prone to doing when one of his "children" seemed to be in distress.

"I'd hoped by now that Mouse had gone beyond that, Mary...but of course he must think of her from time to time. And so little was known about Mouse when he came below...only that he'd been living on his own like some feral little creature, hardly able to talk, much less tell us anything about his life" Jacob said.

"He and Vincent share a special relationship" Mary said..."perhaps he could speak to Mouse" "I think you're right Mary...and Vincent should be here soon. We were to play chess this evening. If anyone could draw Mouse out, Vincent could," Jacob said firmly.

"And what is it that Vincent could?" a honey and gravel voice repeated, as Vincent's massive form suddenly seemed to fill Jacobs chamber. With obvious pleasure at his arrival, Jacob motioned for him to sit across from he and Mary as he poured a cup of steaming Earl Grey tea from the battered pot.

"We're most concerned about Mouse, Vincent" Jacob replied. He's been quite distant this past week and tonight he missed supper. Mary and I feel that so much talk of Mothers Day has been weighing heavily on his mind. We felt that perhaps you might talk to him. Have you any idea where he might have gone?" Jacob asked.

Vincent thought for a moment, then said "Perhaps I do ... there are several places he used to go whenever he was unhappy or in trouble. If our chess game can wait Father, I'll go look for him now." Of course, Vincent, though I must warn you" Jacob said with a smile, "I had a new strategy worked out to try this evening!"

Vincent smiled and said "And now you have time to perfect if Father!" Finishing his tea, he rose and gave Mary a small hug, then clasped Jacobs hand. "Try not to worry...we are Mouse's family now and he knows he is loved. Perhaps he merely needed some time to sort things out. I'll let you know as soon as I speak with him" he said as he prepared to leave.

"Good...very good, Vincent. We'll wait to hear from you," Jacob said as Vincent disappeared into the rocky passageway. "Now Mary" he said, "Vincent is right...no need for you to fret. I'm sure Mouse is fine...he just needs some time to sort things out. Try to get some sleep this evening."

Mary sighed and said "I'm sure you're right Jacob...sometimes I think being a mother.. at least a foster mother" she corrected herself "can be a very difficult job!" "Mary" Jacob said softly, "to most of these children you are the only Mother they have ever had...and an excellent one at that! No one could love them or care for them more than you do...never question that!"

Mary' s face brightened with his praise as he took her hand in both of his. "Now sleep well tonight, Mary, for I'm sure tomorrow will be filled with many challanges from your little ones!"

Mary smiled as she rose to leave for her chamber. With a last fond look she said "I'm sure you're right Jacob.,.I'm sure you're right!"

Vincent decided to make a stop in the community kitchen before he began his search for Mouse. He quickly made his way there and soon had gathered a simple but hearty meal for Mouse. Knowing Mouse's appetite, he wisely decided that after they had talked, Mouse would remember that he had missed supper. Producing a worn but clean knapsack from a cupboard, he stowed away a thick ham sandwich on Williams homemade bread, a packet of tart pickles, a large apple and several fresh baked sugar cookies. He then headed in the direction of the Whispering Bridge, one of Mouse's favorite retreats.

After arriving at the Bridge he stood silently, listening to the incredible voices that filtered thru the chamber and searching for a familiar figure.

His keen eyes soon spotted Mouse, sitting dejectedly with his back to the chamber wall, hugging his knees. Soon he too shared the space, offering quiet companionship to his little friend.

"We missed you at supper tonight, Mouse...Mary and Father are quite concerned about you" he began, "Not hungry, Vincent" Mouse replied. "You've been very preoccupied lately, Mouse...would you like to talk about it? "No," he said softly, his voice echoing slightly in the chamber.

For a moment Mouse was silent, then in a quavering voice he asked "Vincent, you ever wonder about your mother?" It was obvious the question was only asked after great thought. Vincent hesitated, then replied "Yes Mouse, I do sometimes wonder about her, As a child I made up stories as to why I was abandoned...my mother was too ill to care for me...she had no money to look after me..,I found many reasons but finally I came to one very clear realization!"

"What Vincent" Mouse asked, hoping for something comforting. Vincent smiled and said "What do you think it was, Mouse?" Mouse thought for a moment, then said "Somebody else loved you or wouldn't have taken you in!"

"Exactly right, Mouse...I will probably never know why I was left be hind, but I was very fortunate to find a whole new family! For we really are a family...and you are part of that family. We all love you very much Mouse...especially Mary...and right now she is most concerned about you."

"Mary worried about Mouse?" he asked in slightly doubtful tone. "Very much so, Mouse.,,she's watched you all week, knowing that something was wrong but not certain what the problem was!" Vincent replied. "Mouse sorry Mary was worried...just didn't want to talk about it" he said thoughtfully.

"Perhaps you might pay Mary a visit to let her know you are all right" Vincent suggested. "I am sure it would make her feel much better...oh, by the way, I have some "leftovers" from supper...and I'm really quite full. I would hate to have to take them all the way back to the kitchen," Vincent said casually,

"Hum ... William think you don't like his food ... Mouse better eat" he said, eyeing the bulging knapsack. Vincent suppressed a smile as Mouse quickly polished off the sandwich, pickles and apple, saving the cookies for last.

"Well Mouse, I'm rather tired...would you care to walk back with me?" Vincent asked. Yawning slightly Mouse rubbed his eyes, leaving suspicious little smudges that might have been tear stains.

"Mouse tired too, Vincent...should go back" he agreed as he folded up the now empty knapsack. After a silent trip back down the long rocky passage way they arrived at at Mouse"s chamber. "Thanks Vincent...for food and for talk.

Mouse lucky to have family...especially you and Mary" he said with a happier look,

"And we" Vincent said giving Mouse a hearty hug, "are lucky to have you!" So you'll be helping us on Sunday to fix luncheon for the ladies?" he asked.

"Sure Vincent...working on new gizmo to mash potatoes fast!" he said brightly. Inwardly Vincent groaned, then smiled and said "We'll see, Mouse...we'll see!"

Mothers Day in the tunnels arrived with much the same activity as found above, Since early that morning, much whispering and giggling proceeded the mass migration of the male population of the tunnels to Williams kitchen!

With a well organized hand, William had wisely made lists and delegated authority to his eager crew. Zero hour had now arrived. Delicious smells wafted from the Great Hall and all was in readiness. Tables were set with a dazzling array of plates, cups and saucers in every pattern and color. Bright construction paper flowers, some slightly crooked or lopsided, had been created by the children and added a festive touch to the tables.

And now it was time for the grand procession as the ladies were led to their appointed seats, each marked with a crayoned placecard and an addition small paper flower. A head table of sorts had been arranged with a special chair for Mary, flanked by one for Father, who had been put in charge of directing the flow of traffic. Their chairs were now occupied as Vincent led Catherine to their places beside Father and Mary.

Until the tunnel "Mothers Day Luncheons" this had been a difficult day for Catherine. But she had learned, to Vincent pleasure, that it was impossible to be melancholy when surrounded by her "extended family" as she now bubbled with delight, laughing and talking to those around her; His heart filled with joy as he watched her, so lovely in her tunnel attire, a soft pink knitted sweater that had been a gift from Mary and a pale supple leather skirt of many patches that she and Jamie had designed, her glittering crystal gently swaying from its delicate golden chain. As Vincent seated Catherine Mary gently touched his hand and whispered "Mouse is ever so much better, Vincent!" Vincent smiled and replied "He is growing up, Mary...I think he just needs a little time to find his way."

With a g lowing smile she pointed to a small delicate rose pin, of fine golden wire, that was fastened to her lacy blouse. "Isn't this lovely, Vincent! ...Mouse made it for me..but the best part is the card he made to go with it!" she said as she pulled a pale pink scrap of paper from her pocket.

Vincent glanced at the short verse that began "If mothers were roses..." that Mouse had so carefully copied and smiled fondly.

Across the room, a well scrubbed Mouse with slicked back hair, who was carefully serving from a steaming bowl of vegetables, waved shyly to Vincent and Mary. Mary's beaming look was answer enough. Vincent leaned down and gently brushed Catherine's soft cheek with his.

"And are you enjoying this somewhat boisterous Mothers Day, my lovely Catherine?" Happily, as she looked around the large room at so many smiling faces all so intent on making this the most special day possible for their wives and mothers, she said "There is no room in my heart for sadness when I am here with you Vincent, and someday, perhaps" she said with a tiny smile, I might have an even better reason to celebrate this day with you!"

His pulses quickening at her implied suggestion, he buried his face in her shining hair and murmured the beginnings of Mouse's Poem "If mothers were roses..."

Happy Mothers Day
- Judy Loyd