It Happened on a Summer day 30-Apr-98 21:44:51

This is a true crush adventure story, that I'd witnessed when I lived in Louisiana.

It was just after the 4th of July and I entered the auto parts store that I called on to sell television advertising. I worked for the NBC affiliate in Monroe Louisiana, and had recently graduated from college--a girl named Renee worked for this particular family- owned store. She had a "crush" on me, and although I was married (but separated) at the time, I would flirt with her.

She was very attractive and I was fond of her, and looked forward to calling on the shop to see her. She usually wore jeans, blouse, and sandals or sneakers. On this day, she was dressed in a dress and black high heels. She looked great! Truly a babe with southern charm and a beautiful smile!

As I entered the store, I noticed that the guys that worked at the place were moving the counter to expand an area of the front of the store. I pulled up a stool and visited with Renee as they scooted the counter away from it's old resting spot.

The floor under the counter was very dusty and scattered with shredded paper. I quickly noticed what looked to be a ball of fabric and shredded paper like a "rat's nest". After the guys moved the counter out of it's original place, they took a break and went to the back of the store--leaving Renee and I alone at the front of the shop.

I looked closely at the clump of shredded paper and noticed some slight movement. To my surprise, it was a nest full of baby mice. My heart raced. Renee glanced at the mess on the floor and turned to go get a broom. Her first step was right beside the nest. She didn't see that it was occupied

I stared at the nest to see if she had stepped on one of the helpless little mice. She missed one by inches. My heart pounded and my face was flush with excitement.

She returned with a broom and I uttered something about how much crap had accumulated under the counter. She agreed and began sweeping with her back to me (and the nest full of baby mice). I had a perfect angle of view to see every step she took backwards while sweeping.

I counted 5 baby mice, a couple were killed during the movement of the counter, but there were 3 still moving as she inched closer to them. She came closer and closer to the nest.

Her heel of her little foot would lift from her shoe as she swept back and forth, and, needless to say, woody was bulging at the seams. Then she stepped on the edge of the nest. I couldn't believe it! She had no idea that one of the little critters was flattend by her sexy foot.

She stepped right in the middle of the nest, next. . . I was ready for the emergency room! I had to say something. "Hey, Renee, I think there are some baby mice by your foot." She exclaimed, "Where?" as she looked down.

She spread the nest out with the broom and stepped back. "Oh, look at the poor little things, I must have stepped on them, by accident." I said,"I think you did." trying to compose myself. Before I could finish the phrase, she stepped on one that was still moving, and said that she hated them, but had to put it out of its misery, anyway. I was glued to the action!

When she moved her foot to step on that mouse, I saw that one had stuck to her shoe and it made quite a wet spot in the dusty area upon moving her foot away. I told her to look at the wet spot she made and she laughed when she saw the smeard remains of the newborn mouse.

She continued to sweep the floor as if nothing happened and would step on what was left of these mice without trying to avoid them. I had to take the rest of the day off. . .

The memory is forever etched in my mind and to this day, still feel the rush of excitement and heart-racing feeling when I think of that Summer day and how lucky I am to have been there at the moment in time.

Thanks for the memories, Renee! ! !

Gary