(Creative Writing)
 
A peddler of sleep sacks and figurines arrived at the home of ferret lovers
one mild weather Fall day.  After informal salutations, Miss "Bunnie" Belle
was greeted with ear rubbings and kisses, and returned to the secured
kitchen area loaded with toys and nap time accommodations.  Miss Josie (of
the Pussycats) had been regulated to the cage earlier.
 
Mrs. Homeowner and her children reviewed the peddler's ferret wares when
suddenly a crash was heard in the kitchen.  Everyone took a mild interest,
with the thought "Belle's into something."  The sale was completed after a
few minutes of trying to change a 3 year old's mind on the choice of a
sleep sack (attempt failed).
 
As per the peddler's usual strange behavior, kisses must be had by any
awake 4-legged furry creatures when departing.  On the pre- tense of
wanting to "show" Belle her new comfy sleep sack, the peddler went into the
kitchen.  No ferret to be found.  Mrs. Homeowner came looking to, stating
"She must be here somewhere."
 
Aghhhh!  Belle had pushed out the window screen from the dining area window
and was outside!  Hearts began visibly pounding!  The back door wouldn't
open due to a recent paint job!  The adults lamented "What do we do?!"
"Let's go out the *front* door!" The Peddler and 3 year old exited to the
left and Mrs. Homeowner and a confused infant exited right.
 
Miss Belle was immediately found on the right-side of the house, checking
out the AC unit.  With trembling hands, the adventurous ferret was lavished
with attention and promptly returned to her cage so the peddler and Mrs.
Homeowner could take a sedative.
 
Moral to the story?  Check out the security of your window screens
and never underestimate a ferret.
[Posted in FML issue 2491]