Rufus

We stare down into the rubbish bin together. I feel the tickle of a hot tear on my left cheek.

Goodbye El Rodento. Michael sighs dramatically. My eyes dart up and I glare at him.

You think this is a joke? How can you kid around at a time like this?The death of my beloved pet mouse has legitimately upset me.

Michael doesn't answer, just grins sheepishly. He never liked Rufus. In my anger I add,

And stop calling him El Rodento. His name was Rufus and he was a sweet, gentle little thing who deserves a more meaningful eulogy then goodbye El Rodento.

He falls silent and neither of us speaks for two long minutes. Michael takes my hand and I accept it. He's trying to console me even though he thinks I'm being silly. At least that's something.

Eventually I turn my face away from the sight of the poor creature lying on top of the rubbish,

Look at him, I whisper, All stiff and cold, mouth hanging open...

Michael smiles down at me again and gives me a peck on the cheek,

Well gorgeous, at least he died like he lived, mouth open, drooling and looking for food.

Oh boy, he shouldn't have said that. I violently shake his hand off mine and yell,

How dare you!? This is all you and your mother's stupid cat's fault! Rufus still had a good year in him and you let him out of his cage knowing that beast was around and now look! He's dead!

Now, I'll admit that's not entirely true. Mike's mother asked us to babysit her cat Coco while she went interstate for a few days. I had no issue - Rufus would be safe in his cage. Rufus, unfortunately, had other ideas. Not accustomed to anything but humans, Rufus saw Coco as just another entity that might bring him food. He escaped one night and ran straight into Coco's waiting paws.

So, it wasn't really Mike's fault at all, but I need someone to blame. Mike feels he's being wrongly accused,

Gorgeous, I'm sorry okay? But we must find some way of moving on...

You're still using that sarcastic voice! Just... just go away! I storm off into the bedroom, locking the door behind me.

I don't come out for two hours. I hear Mike go out and come back home again. And then... then I hear Rufus! The wheel he used to love to run on is squeaking!

I burst into the lounge room where the cage is and see a different mouse. This one is black, not cream like Rufus had been.

Honey I'm sorry about Rufus. And I hate seeing you upset so I got you a new mouse. She won't replace El Rodento but it's the only thing I could think of.

I wrap my arms around my husband and plant the most intense, passionate kiss on his lips since our wedding day.

Allie W