Sally is 9, an age inbetween Jimmy's 7 years and Roger's 11 years. This makes her view Jimmy as a baby (which he can't bear) and Roger as a hero.
Jimmy had purchased the gift of a paint box for Sally, which he'd saved up for. This goes down like a lead balloon as she unforms him that she has three now, which were given to her during the intervening period. Jimmy is saddened and wonders how to make it up to her.
Miss Manning asks Jimmy to read the note from Sally's mother as she's forgotten what time to arrive at the party. Along with the time is a list of things to bring, including mousse - which Jimmy mis-reads as mouse.
After looking long and hard for a mouse, including the blitzed house, Jimmy actually comes across a woman carrying a mouse in a humane trap. She, apparently, catches them at her home, walks a way, and lets them go. She is more than happy for Jimmy to take the mouse, trap and all.
Upon reaching the party, evidently expecting everyone's excitement at his new present, Jimmy opens the trap. People run away and towards the mouse in a frenzy, the ultimate consequence that Jimmy is left pariahed from the event.
However, Roger comes up and congratulates Jimmy on such devilry, saying that he's always wanted to do that. Although, when Sally comes to ask Roger to dance, he "sheepishly, self-consciously" agrees, but avoids Jimmy's eyes as he does do.
Jimmy is in the happy position of having the plentiful leftovers at his command - an opportunity that he's planning to make the most of!
As for Roger, I guess girls aren't just soppy creatures after all!
Characters:
Jimmy
Roger
Mrs Manning
Sally
Sally's Mother
Roger
Mrs Manning
Sally
Sally's Mother
