October 30. “Button, the work outside is over and the boards have been taken off: Are you happy?”

“I’m not only happy, I’m elated. I can now look outside, talk with my friend, Fluffy, and make some more friends. I just noticed a pigeon sitting on the window sill. I will be able to spend my days more fruitfully. I can’t explain how good it finally feels to be able to get some light and breeze in the room.”

“But the scaffolding is still up and I don’t want to open the window too wide or else the rats may come back in.”

“But they are my friends.”

“They may be your friends but I can’t have them scurrying around the house.”

“I see you don’t like rats.”

“Certainly not.”