Chapter 1: The Valley
Our story takes place in Renato, a valley where the grass is as plush as a pillow, and sunlight dances through the towering willows.
A valley where raging rivers twist through the grounds in groups of three, providing water to plants and animals like roots to a tree.
But in Renato, the most magnificent sight to be seen is a majestic mountain, nestled between two tiny ravines.
Because of its beauty, year after year, the population of Renato increased. The residents became a family, sharing food and shelter, living in unity and peace.
But one day, a group of unknown animals ravaged the valley of its food and water. They destroyed everything in sight and roared through the land with all their might.
The residents became confused about what happened that gloomy day, for it was their nature to be nice to other animals, inviting anyone who wanted to stay.
As days passed, many animals left Renato in search of food, while others remained in solitude.
The once green grass turned brown, and the rivers ran dry. The trees became barren, and the food-bearing plants were left to die.
However, there was one animal who still had hope. He was a tiny field mouse named Prewitt, and he was no bigger than a bar of soap.
Being a mouse, Prewitt survived off of drops and crumbs. But he knew his strength would not last after seeing what the other animals have become.
Prewitt did not know how to save his home, but he knew the answer was out there. So that very night, he decided he would search the mountain, the one place no one would dare.
As beautiful as the mountain was, the stories surrounding it were legendary. Over the years, word spread of how the mountain was alive and could speak, and of its ferocious beasts guarding its peak.
None of the animals of Renato ever attempted to climb the mountain, terrified of what they would find. But Prewitt was not like the other animals; he was one of a kind.
Chapter Two: The Fox
The next morning Prewitt set out to begin his journey. The mountain was an imposing structure with sharp edges and an invisible peak towering in the sky. The task of reaching the top seemed almost impossible, but Prewitt knew he had to try.
Hours passed as Prewitt used his small body to weave through rocks and gravel, but his body began to grow cold and tired from his travels.
As the night sky grew dark, Prewitt found a flat landing to rest his feet when suddenly a fox appeared, causing Prewitt to awake from his sleep.
Prewitt noticed immediately what a beautiful fox she was, for her bright blue eyes seemed to float in the golden sea of her plush fur coat.
“My name is Nella,” the fox exclaimed.
“Why did you come here? No one has ever come to the mountain before.”
“I mean no trouble,” explained Prewitt, “I ask only to be able to pass through. Perhaps in return, I can offer something for you?”
“I fear what I want; you cannot grant,” said Nella. “I do not want to be forever alone, for the mountain is all that I have ever known.”
“The birds tell me frightening stories of the world above and the world below; I am scared to leave this mountain plateau.”
“Come with me, and I will be by your side, said Prewitt. My home is now your home; you will find no need to hide.”
As frightened as Nella was, she saw that Prewitt was weak and could not continue alone. She decided she would help Prewitt search for help in the unknown.
Chapter Three: The Bear
Over the next few days, the winds began to swirl, and the sky grew dark for hours. The once safe paths were now dangerous, being covered by multiple snow showers.
Since Nella was a fox, she was able to navigate the dark skies, carrying Prewitt on her back due to his small stature in size.
Midway up the mountain, Nella and Prewitt came across a dark cave. Not knowing what to expect, a giant bear appeared with a fierce gaze.
Just like Nella, the bear was a beautiful creature. He had teeth that glistened in the light and giant paws that thumped with might.
“My name is Hadwyn,” exclaimed the bear, “Why are you here! No one has ever come to the mountain before.”
“We mean no trouble,” exclaimed Prewitt and Nella. “We ask only to be able to pass through. Perhaps in return, we can do offer something for you?”
“I fear what I want, you cannot grant, I do not want to be forever alone for the mountain is all that I have ever known.”
“The birds tell me frightening stories of the world above and below; I am scared to leave this mountain plateau.”
“Come with us, we will be by your side. Our home is now your home; you will find no need to hide”.
Hadwyn was scared, but he saw they were both weak and cold and could not continue alone. He decided to help Nella and Prewitt search for help in the unknown.
Chapter Four: The Mountain
As the hours passed, the mountain grew treacherous. Ice began to fall in the form of hail, while giant boulders tumbled, blocking the trail.
Since Hadwyn was a bear, he could use his giant back to carry the little mouse and fox and use his strength to clear the path of the fallen rocks.
The next day Prewitt, Nella, and Hadwyn reached the mountain’s peak, frozen and tired, hardly able to speak.
At the top, Prewitt noticed a small tree in the snow with twisted roots, having only one branch and bearing two pieces of fruit.
As all three approached the tree, the mountain suddenly began to rumble, “Why are you here!” the mountain exclaimed, causing rocks to crumble.
“My name is Prewitt, and this is Nella and Hadwyn. What is your name?”
“My name is Foy,” said the mountain.
“Hello Foy, my friends and I are looking for a way to restore my home back to new. Perhaps there is something in return we can offer you?”
“What I want you cannot provide. I wish for the birds to tell stories of my greatness and generosity instead of stories of cruelty and ferocity.”
“How can it be that I am a monster if no one has ever visited before? I am but a story to tell, I am misunderstood forevermore.”
“I am sorry you made this journey in the snow for this fruit tree is all that I have for nothing else will grow.”
“It will not be enough to feed your home and your friends, but please take my fruit as your journey has come to an end.”
All three were cold and tired, but their kindness remained as they thanked Foy for his generosity and of the friend they have gained.
The pieces of fruit then fell from the tree, with Prewitt handing each peace to Nella and Hadwyn, knowing there was not enough for all three.
Taken aback, the mountain asked. “Why did you not feed yourself? You are as hungry as they, are you not?” “I am, but they are my friends, and I would not be talking to you without them, this I have not forgot.”
“You are too generous to be of the world below, for the birds tell me kindness is something the animals do not know.”
“There are stories about us and stories about you. You must understand that listening to a story does not make it true.”
“You are a wonderful mountain, Foy, you provided us all you could, and that is more than most ever would.”
Humbled by the words of the tiny mouse, the mountain began to weep, as his tears streamed down from the mountains’ peak.
Chapter 5: The Descent
As Prewitt, Nella, and Hadwyn started their journey down the mountain, they could hardly believe what was in site. There was Renato in all its glory, glistening in the sunlight.
The water from Foy flowed into Renato’s empty streams, creating a site one only sees in their dreams.
The land now fertile began to look like the Renato of the past, as the trees and plants began to grow ever so fast.
“Prewitt,” said Nella. “What led you to the mountain, you did not know what you would find and that Foy would be so kind.”
“Its very simple, you see. It is the very same reason you climbed the mountain with me.”
“Even hearing stories of the world above and below, you still helped me not knowing what we would face. You believed in yourself, you believed in a better place.”
“For just when we thought we could no longer cope, there was one thing that never left you and me, and that was hope.”
“But what if the unknown animals come back another time?
“Then we will find another mountain to climb.”
The Rittenhouse Mouse 