Libby Westin was the luckiest kid in Mr. Reed?s fifth grade class. She had been chosen to take care of Milton, the classroom hamster, during the winter holiday. She took good care of Milton for two whole weeks. Libby and Milton played every day. When it was time to take Milton back to school, Milton was missing.
Libby looked in all of Milton?s favorite spots -inside slippers, under pillows, curled up in cozy places- but she couldn?t find him anywhere. Libby took the empty cage to school.
Mr. Reed greeted Libby and said, Was our little hamster a handful?
He was hardly any trouble at all, Libby replied, setting down the cage. Vinnie peeked into the cage.
Milton, I know you?re nocturnal, but you could at least say helio.
He?s just off in his own little world someplace, said Libby, her voice shaking as tears welled up in her eyes.
When Libby reached into her jacket pocket for a tissue, something warm and furry nuzzled her hand. Libby felt a rush of relief.
I am the luckiest kid in fifth grade, she thought as she slipped a sleepy Milton into his cage.
