Peregrination of a Rodent (part 1)

Benjamin finds himself troubled by a domineering mother and a sister whom he feels he must protect. All would be well and good, if a bit tense, if not for the strange guest this family hosts each night -- though to say "host" is perhaps misleading, for the guest is UNWANTED. Is it too hopeful to think that Mother will be able to go on teaching piano lessons to children, or is it a more accurate assessment to say that her musical culture is doomed to be drowned by the toothy knock of the rodent? And will Benjamin be able to stay caught up with the newspapers, or will the rodent's rattle gobble off his ears? And Anna, the innocent young sister, what will become of her? Will she make it to the conservatory, where she wishes to study, or will her plans be foiled as well? In this story there will be rats, mice, insects, classical music: Bach, Chopin, literature: Joyce, Proust, culture, a charwoman, and a beautiful sweet charwoman's daughter, who shares the principle of her name with the Greek god Apollo. There will also be tension, drama, love, abandonment, and a pleasant evening tea with a well dressed gentleman. PEREGRINATION OF A RODENT -- A story by Steve Turtel