Love... And Mr. Ages?

Love... And Mr. Ages (story)

Mr. Ages sat in his office, he looked out his door and saw Mercy in the reception area, filing papers. He found it remarkable that in so short a time she had become so proficient at both the administrative and medical aspects of the hospital. He glanced at his wall clock and saw that it was after ten p.m.

“Mercy. Its late, go home, you’ve done enough today.” He called out to her.

She looked up from her work and smiled at him.

“Are you sure? Is there anything else you need?” She asked hopefully.

“No. I certainly appreciate your dedication to your profession, but there comes a time when you must stop and rest. I’ll bet you haven’t eaten anything since breakfast.” He said sternly. She looked embarrassed.

“I haven’t, but neither have you.” She responded. He frowned. She was surprised by his expression.

“Mercy, I wouldn’t recommend that you develop my bad habits. Medicine is my life. Your still young, enjoy your life. There is plenty of time to become like me when your much, much older.” He said. She smiled again and quickly finished her project.

“Would you like me to bring you something from the cafeteria?” She asked.

“No. Goodnight, Mercy.” Mr. Ages said. She smiled at him again and left for the night. Mr. Ages remained in his office and finished his own paper work. As he closed down the hospital he put a sign up on the message board.

“Dr. Luke on call.”

He walked a short distance down the hall and passed the door of Dr. Luke’s apartment. Posted on it was a sign announcing that he was on call that night. From inside Mr. Ages could hear Luke playing jazz on his clarinet. He made his way to the cafeteria, the few people he met on the way greeted him and his replies were simply gruff mumbles.

There were only about a dozen people in the cafeteria. He took some soup, a slice of apple pie and a mug of tea and made his way to the small tables. There he found Mercy sitting. When she saw him she smiled invitingly. He froze for a moment. He chose to eat at this time for the sole purpose of being able to eat alone. For a moment he thought of sitting at a different table, but he knew that would be pushing his antisocial habits to a ridiculous extreme. He hesitantly sat diagonally across from her at the table.

“Hello, Mercy.” He said.

“Hello, Mr. Ages.” She replied with a smile. He looked at her for a moment, her smile reminded him of something he was going to speak to her about.

“Mercy, there is something I wanted to discuss with you. Now that there is at last an adequate medical staff, I have been giving some thought to specialization. I have observed you with the children when them come in, they adore you and your disarming smile certainly puts them at ease. Would you have any interest in pediatrics?”

“Yes, I would love that.” She replied excitedly.

“Now bear in mind it is going to require a great deal of additional study on top of what your already studying. You’ll work very closely with me as I supervise your training.” He said. She looked into his eyes and smiled again.

“I don’t mind at all.” She said.

Her training began in earnest. Over the next few months she threw herself whole heartedly into her work. She would even beat him to the hospital on some mornings and she would stay late into the evenings, until Mr. Ages would find her asleep here or there. All through this she never lost her good humor or her smile. As pleased as he was to find so receptive a student, her dedication was beginning to wear her down. Tonight he found her asleep in the hospital library. He gently shook her awake.

“Mercy, as chief physician I am prescribing you a vacation. I want you to take the next seven days off, before you reach the point of physical and mental collapse. Get some sleep and have some fun. I don’t want to see you any where near the hospital.” He said. She looked alarmed and rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

“But.”

“No ‘but’. One week, is that understood?” He asked sternly.

“But my studies.” She protested.

“Mercy, your work and studies have far exceeded my expectations. You can afford to sit back and relax for a little while.” He said.

“One week?” she asked.

“One week.” he confirmed. She rose from her chair and faced him, she smiled and then quickly moved forward and hugged him! Mr. Ages froze.

“Thank you, you have been so kind to me, I am glad that I have not let you down.” She said and released him and hurried out the door. Only after the door closed did he dare breath again, he wiped his brow with is hand and found he was sweating.

The next morning he arrived bright and early. He sat in his office, alone in the whole hospital. He sat back in his chair and listened to the sweet silence. Without Mercy underfoot for a whole week he would could at last have some peace and quiet again, he could even hear the ticking of the wall clock. As he did his work it now seemed to quiet. In the months since her arrival, Mercy practically lived in the hospital, now with her on vacation it just felt empty. Two hours later he heard the door open. He looked up quickly and saw a tall, attractive lady rat enter. It was Dr. Laura.

“Good morning!” she said cheerfully when she saw Mr. Ages. He frowned.

“Good morning.” He grumbled, as was his custom. A short time later she appeared at his door.

“Where is your shadow this morning?” She asked.

“My what?”

“Mercy. Where is Mercy today?” She asked.

“She was working herself far to hard. I gave her the week off.”

“Wow. It won’t be the same here without her.” She said.

“Indeed it won’t.” He responded.

Through out the day he found himself making observations and remembering things that he would have wanted to share with Mercy. In the evening, he found the hospital even quieter than he had that morning.

Over the next few days, he found to his great surprise that he missed Mercy’s smile. She was always smiling. Normally, he found people who always smiled to be particularly annoying. To him it was almost a sign of ignorance. One day he even felt compelled to ask her why she smiled all the time. She answered him with a smile.

“Before I came to Thorn Valley I was nothing and I had nothing. Now that I am here I have everything I could ever want and I can be what I always wanted to be. How could I possibly restrain my joy?” She had responded. Her answer was enough for him to make an exception to his rule about smiling people. Mr. Ages rose from his desk and went to Dr. Luke, who doing some work in the lab.

“Luke. I am going for a walk, I may be gone an hour or two. If you need me have me paged.” Mr. Ages said. The gray mouse looked up with a look of surprise, he looked to the clock and then back to Mr. Ages.

“What?” Mr. Ages asked in annoyance.

“Nothing, nothing at all.” He replied apologetically and hurriedly returned to his work. Mr. Ages grumbled and walked out of the room. You’d think he’d never seen me go for a walk before. Mr. Ages thought to himself, but after a short time he realized he never had gone for a walk during office hours before. He walked the halls in silence, he visited the empty amphitheater and sat in the highest row of seats and looked down at the stage far below. What am I doing here? Why am I not at work? Perhaps I need a vacation as well. He thought to himself. As he sat there he had a sudden craving for a slice of apple pie and some hot tea.

When he got to the cafeteria he felt a sudden surge of anxiety, it was lunchtime and the place was packed. He made his way hesitantly to the line. The place was a virtual sea of rats, big ones and small ones all around him. Even though they respectfully kept their distance from him and all greeted him warmly, it did little to calm his nerves. He didn’t hate the rats, he had no trouble with them individually or in small numbers, but at times like this he felt overwhelmed. Their size and strength were terribly intimidating to him and to be in a crowded room with a couple hundred of them made him feel very small and very helpless. He made his way through the line as quickly as he could, eventually abandoning the pie and just getting a mug of tea. By the time he reached the small tables his heart was pounding and he was sweating. He found these tables to be full also, full except for the one where Timothy Brisby sat with his wife Jenny and sitting on Tim’s lap was their son Colin. When they saw him they waved him over. He hurriedly joined them.

As they chatted, his breathing and heart rate returned to normal. A short time later Mr. Ages became aware of someone coming up behind him.

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Brisby. Hello, Mr. Ages.” He heard Mercy say.

“Hello, Mercy. Would you care to join us?” Timothy asked. Mr. Ages quickly turned to look at her. He was surprised for a moment. Instead of the shapeless white robes that Mercy always wore, she was wearing a lavender skirt and a white blouse. She noticed his reaction and smiled.

“I’ve worn robes my entire life. I wanted to try something different. Do you like it?” She asked and twirled.

“Its a wonderful combination, Mercy.” Jenny said.

“I agree, it looks good on you.” Tim responded. Mr. Ages sat silently, just continuing to stare. She looked at him expectantly. He felt his anxiety returning.

“You...look...uh...quite nice.” he said hesitantly. She smiled warmly at him and sat down in the only unoccupied seat at the table, which was right next to him. He immediately moved to the very end of the bench when she sat down next to him.

“How are things at the hospital?” Mercy asked.

“They are going well, the children in particular miss you.” He said. For a moment it appeared she was going to say something, then she hesitated and was silent.

“Are you enjoying your vacation?” He asked.

“Yes, very much so. I have visited the caves, I have been on the lake and I’ve been to several plays. I feel much better now, but I can’t wait to return to my training.” She said with a smile. They all continued talking. Mr. Ages had finished his tea and was sitting there with his hands on the table and Mercy was holding her hands wide to describe the size of a fish she had seen, when she put her hands down she accidentally placed her left hand on Mr. Ages right hand. His reaction was to violently whip his hand away, sweeping his mug onto the floor.

“I’m sorry!” Mercy gasped. He looked at her angrily, got up and picked his mug off the floor and stormed out of the cafeteria. He stomped down the hall, at first angry at her and then angry at himself. Why am I angry? It was an accident. I made a complete fool of myself over nothing. With a reaction like that you might have thought she had tried to stab my hand with a fork or something. It was just her hand, why did I do that?

He thought. He made his way back to the hospital in sullen silence. Dr. Luke greeted him when he returned, but Mr. Ages ignored him and went to his office and slammed the door. He sat at his desk with his chin resting on folded hands for quite a while. Eventually he drew out a sheet of paper and a pen and began writing.

Mercy

I’m sorry.

Mr. Ages

He looked at his letter for a few moments. Its to short. He realized and crumpled up the paper and threw it in the garbage can. Writing had never been his particular gift. At last he thought of a way of making it a little longer.

Mercy,

I am sorry.

Mr. Ages

Much better. He thought as he looked at his handiwork. He put it in an envelope and put it in his pocket. He again left the hospital and walked to the residential area. He walked up to the apartment that Mercy shared with her family. He crouched down and slipped the envelope under the door. An instant later the door opened to reveal Mercy standing there. He looked up at her, she looked terribly sad. With a little awkwardness and embarrassment he stood. As he looked at her he could already feel his heart pounding and he was feeling a little dizzy.

“Mr. Ages, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you so angry. It was an accident.” she said sadly.

“No, I am the one who should apologize. What I did was inexcusable. I should never have reacted the way I did. I am sorry.” He replied nervously. She smiled. He immediately felt relieved to see her smiling again. She picked up the envelope and read its contents. Her smile grew larger.

“Apology accepted.” She said. She suddenly had a look of concern. “Are you feeling well? Would you like to come in and sit down?” She asked. He gasped and shook his head rapidly.

“No. I ...have to get back to the hospital.” He said and quickly ran down the hall.

Well Ages, at least you managed to apologize without losing your dignity. He thought sarcastically to himself. He glumly made his way back to the hospital and again slammed the door behind him as he went into his office.

The hospital staff all kept their distance from Mr. Ages for the rest of the week. They were all concerned, no one had ever seen him this way before. He tried to get back into his normal routine, but no matter what he tried or did, he just couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong with him. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it. When the new week started he was very glad to see the door open and Mercy enter. She smiled at him and to the collective astonishment of the medical staff, Mr. Ages smiled back at her.

All during the day as he tutored her he felt slightly ill, his palms were sweaty and his heart rate seemed abnormally high. He even sent her home early, explaining that he wasn’t feeling well. She had looked alarmed and offered to stay with him, which only made him feel even worse. After she had gone he quickly summoned Dr. Luke and Dr. Laura to his office.

“What we are about to discuss is to be kept in the strictest confidence. Is that clear.” He asked sternly. They both nodded.

“As you both have undoubtedly noticed I have not been quite myself lately. I need your help. I have done tests on myself and I haven’t been able to come to any conclusions and frankly that concerns me.” He said seriously. He hated the idea of asking his own students for help, but there was simply no one else to go to. They both looked alarmed.

“Symptoms?” Dr. Laura asked.

“Shortness of breath, nausea, rapid breathing, sweaty palms, rapid heart beat.” He replied.

“Are these feelings constant or intermittent?” Dr. Luke asked.

“They are intermittent.”

“Is there any single contributing factor that your aware of when these attacks occur?” Dr. Laura asked.

He thought about the second question for quite awhile before he responded.

“The only thing I can think of is that Mercy is always present when I feel this way.” He responded.

“It could be an anxiety condition brought on by her presence. Perhaps you’ve been working to hard beside her. Perhaps you need a break from her.” Dr. Luke said.

“But I just had a week long break from her and if anything the problem is worse. I am very concerned.” Mr. Ages said, some of his anxiety coming through in his voice. He noticed a momentary smile crossing the lips of Dr. Laura. He grew very angry.

“What about my condition do you find so amusing?” He asked angrily and slammed his fist on the desk. She sunk deep into her chair.

“Nothing sir, I agree with Luke it could be an anxiety disorder, brought on by stress. My smile was just a little thought I had.” She said apologetically. He looked at her sternly.

“What little thought?” He demanded. She sunk a little deeper in her chair.

“Your going to get very angry when I say this. But, the reason I smiled was the thought that if any other man in Thorn Valley had told me he felt that way around Mercy I would have told him he might be in love.” She said sheepishly. Mr. Ages leaped from his chair, he shook his finger at her, but was to angry to articulate any words. After a few moments of this he sat back in his chair.

“What utter nonsense. If you can offer no better advice than that then I have obviously failed in your training.” He said angrily. She looked very hurt by his statement.

“Mr. Ages. You asked me what I thought about your problem so I told you.” She protested.

“Luke, I want you to supervise Mercy’s training. I’ll be leaving on a horticultural expedition. Good day to both of you.” He said and stormed angrily out of his office. He marched directly to Captain Killian’s office and insisted he put together a team of guards to go with him in one hour. Killian was surprised by the short notice but complied, he grabbed the first four guards and then put Brutus in charge and he told Mr. Ages they would be ready when he was.

Mr. Ages returned to his quarters and quickly packed his gear for the trip. I just need to get away from Thorn Valley, from Mercy and from the hospital. I need some time away from all of this, then I’ll be fine. Of course I’ve been working to hard, I haven’t taken a break from my work since we escaped from NIMH, its no wonder I’m suffering from stress. He told himself. He put on his pack and made his way to the cafeteria, which he found nearly deserted. He got a slice of apple pie and a mug of tea and quickly consumed them.

When he arrived at the gate he found the team waiting for him, with tents and camping gear packed and ready. Mr. Ages looked at his watch, they still had several hours of day light left.

“Let’s go.” He said tersely and began walking. As they walked Mr. Ages ignored all efforts of the guards to engage him in conversation, or to even explain where they were going or why. Only after they were far beyond the walls of the valley and the day was turning to dusk that he finally broke his silence and told Brutus to find a place to camp for the night. They pitched their tents in a collection of large stones that provided a circle of protection, it was a place frequently used by the long range patrol or the rangers. They started a fire and began making dinner. Mr. Ages took out his notebook that contained details about the area they were heading to. All this activity had driven all thoughts of anxiety out of his head and he felt relaxed at last. He even joined the guards to eat dinner by the fire. He slept well that night, but he had a strange dream.

He dreamt he was standing alone in a great, impregnable fortress in a very dark and gloomy place, he was clad in a suit of armor so heavy and ponderous that he was unable to move, the armor was rusty and covered with dust and cobwebs as if nothing had disturbed it in eons. Before him was a massive door that looked so old and time worn that it appeared to never have been opened. The dream seemed to last forever, he just stood there completely and utterly alone. He didn’t like the dream, it was unlike any he had ever had before, it seemed to real, like it spoke to some part of him that he himself was unaware of.

He was glad to wake the next morning and hear the voices of the guards eating breakfast. He quickly dressed and joined them. The details of the dream had quickly faded but the terrible loneliness of the dream stuck with him and robbed him of the good humor he felt from the night before. During the day as he tried to concentrate on his research and sample taking, he was plagued by the dream and what it might mean. He actively blocked out any thoughts about Mercy or the conversation he had with Dr.’s Luke and Laura. However, he couldn’t erase the hurt look on Laura’s face when he had insulted her moments before he left the hospital. You really stepped in it this time, Ages. What are you going to do now? Why did you go on this expedition? You ran away, that’s why. Rather than try to understand what was happening, you just ran away, you deeply hurt one of your few friends in the process, also. Well done O’ great healer. He thought to himself. When they returned to the camp, Mr. Ages remained in his tent while the guards all sat around the fire talking and laughing. He sat looking over his notes, trying unsuccessfully to concentrate on his work, eventually he gave up and joined the guards and ate dinner. Before he went to sleep he checked his vital signs. He had no trace of the anxiety or fear that he had been experiencing the last two weeks. He climbed onto his cot. See, none of this love nonsense. Just stress, A man of my age in love, ridiculous. He thought as he drifted off to sleep, but the very last thing to cross his mind as he fell asleep was the image of Mercy’s smiling face.

That night he again found himself in the dark fortress, still trapped in the suit of armor, still facing the door. For what seemed like an eternity he stood immobile. Then to his astonishment the door before him began to tremble, its ancient, rusty hinges shrieking as they moved for the first time in their long existence. The door opened a fraction of an inch and through the opening a tiny glimmer of light appeared. Never before had anything breached the door. He was afraid, but at the same time a part of him wanted desperately to reach out to the warmth that the light radiated, but the weight of the armor held him back.

Mr. Ages woke feeling refreshed. Again the details of his dream had faded, but the emotions that this one generated were much better than the one from the night before. He ate a hearty breakfast and started his research with renewed vigor. After an equally hearty lunch he sat sketching a picture of some medicinal flowers he had found. He sketched away in his book absentmindedly. When he had finished he looked down at his sketch and gasped. He quickly shut the book and felt a sudden rush of anxiety. After the moment had passed he calmed down and opened the book and looked at the picture.

To his amazement, in the midst of the cluster of flowers, he had drawn Mercy’s smiling face. He frowned and reached for an eraser. He held it above the picture, he hesitated. Even he had to admit it was a good likeness. As he looked at the picture he suddenly felt a pang of loneliness. No! You did not just feel that. You are not in love with Mercy! She hugged you once, she was tired and she was grateful for your help, nothing more. She touched your hand once, even she admitted it was an accident, nothing more. She is not in love with you. Its just wishful thinking...Good grief! Do I actually wish she were in love with me? With this last thought he quickly looked up in alarm, as if the guards could read his mind and would ridicule him for thinking such things. He quickly returned to his tent and lay on the cot. He remained there till dinner time. Brutus suddenly appeared at his tent flap, in his hand was a plate of food. Mr. Ages looked at the giant rat at the tent entrance.

“Hungry?” Brutus asked.

“Yes, thank you.” Mr. Ages replied. “Brutus, may I ask you about something?”

“Sure.” He replied.

“Are you married?”

“No.”

“Do you have a girlfriend?”

“Yes.”

“What’s her name?”

“Sylvia.”

“Do you think about her often?”

“Constantly.”

“Do you love her?”

“Yes.”

“Do you love her more than anything else in the world?”

“Yes.”

“Are you going to marry her?”

“Hopefully.”

“You haven’t asked her yet?”

“No.”

“Are you afraid?”

“Yes.”

“Is her love worth the risk of rejection?”

“Definitely.”

“Is her love worth giving up your independence for?”

“Absolutely.” He replied.

“Thank you, Brutus.” Mr. Ages said. Brutus smiled and passed him the plate. Mr. Ages sat and picked at his food, eventually he returned to his cot, he picked up the book he had been sketching in earlier, he went to the page with Mercy’s picture. She can’t be in love with me. But what of those looks she gave? Her always wanting to be with me, close to me. If she were merely toying with me she wouldn’t be so subtle. Mercy is such a kind and loving young woman, perhaps it is just her kindness to a lonely old man, affection I am mistakenly interpreting as love. If I had just faced this dilemma instead of running away from it I could have it resolved by now. He thought. He again looked at the picture of Mercy. Mercy, if only you had appeared a lifetime ago, this wouldn’t be so difficult, before I became so old and set in my ways. He thought sadly. He climbed off his cot and pushed aside all thoughts of love and began reviewing his research from that day, consciously avoiding the picture of Mercy. Only after it grew very late did he return to his cot. He picked up the book again and just gazed at Mercy’s picture. Mercy...Mercy Ages. He thought as he drifted off to sleep.

In his dream he was again in the dark fortress, still trapped in his armor. He gazed longingly at the faint glimmer of light coming from the slightly open door. Suddenly the door swung open and a brilliant radiance filled the fortress, it drove out the cold unfeeling darkness that had filled him and the fortress, now at its threshold stood Mercy, she beckoned him to come to her. To his amazement he felt his armor growing lighter, he managed to stagger a single step forward, then another and another. He crossed half the distance to her, then he stopped, the ground suddenly split into a wide chasm between them, he felt his armor grow heavy again, but the door did not close, Mercy remained there at its threshold, trying to reach out to him.

Mr. Ages woke from this dream, he realized that he was clutching the open book tightly to his chest and he couldn’t help but notice that he had slept with Mercy’s picture close to his heart all night. After breakfast he tried halfheartedly to continue his studies. By lunch time he realized it was no use trying to deny the undeniable. It was time to return to Thorn Valley and face Mercy. When he made the announcement the guards quickly began dismantling the camp.

As they walked to Thorn Valley he was again silent. What will I say to her? Do I even dare tell her how I feel about her? Would she laugh at me if I profess my love? He wondered nervously. It was well after dinner time when they reached the valley floor. Mr. Ages could see, even from a great distance a huge mass of people by the entrance, it appeared as though the entire population was standing there. He felt a surge of panic as they approached the crowd. As they neared, Mr. Ages could see hundreds of eyes turn to him. Is this how Laura is getting back at me? She probably told everyone about my problem or about Mercy. They are all here to gawk and laugh at me. He thought angrily. When they reached the crowd Mr. Ages walked up to the nearest rat.

“What is the meaning of all this?” He demanded loudly. The rat looked alarmed by his manner.

“Its a fire drill, sir.” The rat responded nervously. Mr. Ages turned away and stormed off feeling like a complete idiot and also now very angry with himself for even thinking Dr. Laura would do such a thing to him. A short time later the crowd began to file back indoors. Mr. Ages waited far in the back until the crowd was gone before he dared venture inside. He had never had a problem like this before. He was at a loss as to what to do next and there was only one person in the world he could go to talk to about something this personal, he just hoped he could find him. He made his way quickly to the residential wing and reached the Brisby’s door. He knocked and waited hopefully. A few moments later the door opened to reveal Jonathan Brisby.

“Ages! Back at last. Come in won’t you?” He asked. Mr. Ages walked in without responding. “Is something wrong?” He asked.

“Jonathan, I need to talk to you about something. Is anyone else here?” He asked.

“Violet is sleeping in the other room. But that’s all.” He replied.

Jonathan made some tea and joined Mr. Ages on the couch.

“What troubles you, old man?” He asked. Mr. Ages paused, he watched as Jonathan began drinking his tea.

“Jonathan, I’m in love with Mercy.” He said calmly. He heard Jonathan snort and spit out a mouthful of tea and began coughing. “Now we’re even.” Mr. Ages said with a smile.

“Are you serious?” Jonathan asked when he could speak again.

“Absolutely.” He replied.

“Then what’s the problem?”

“What do I do now?” Mr. Ages asked nervously.

“Go to her and tell her how you feel, this very minute!” He said.

“But what if she doesn’t feel the same way about me?” Mr. Ages asked.

“What if she does feel the same way?”

“I’m afraid. We both know that the loss of a loved one drove Jenner to madness and I saw the anguish Rose endured when she lost you. What if something were to happen to Mercy? How could I endure it?” He asked nervously.

“You can’t abandon love because of what might happen. Ages, if you pass up this chance you’ll regret it the rest of your life.” Jonathan replied. Deep down he knew Jonathan was right. Even being here talking to him was just a way of stalling.

“Your right, Jonathan. If I do nothing, I will regret it the rest of my life.” Mr. Ages said as he rose from the couch.

“Go to her, man. Then for better or worse it will be over.” Jonathan said and patted Mr. Ages on the back.

“Yes. I will go to her.” He said with determination and headed for the door.

As he walked he realized that he hadn’t had a bath in three days, he decided that perhaps he should make himself a bit more presentable before going to her. He had to sneak into his place, so that none of the medical staff would see him. Once inside he stood before his mirror and looked at his reflection. He frowned, he was old, he was overweight and he had worn a frown on his face for so long it seemed like it had been chiseled into his features. What could she possibly see in me? He wondered. He pushed that thought as far away as he could. He quickly bathed, threw on his old bathrobe and went to his closet. To his astonishment he realized that he did not have a single item of casual or formal clothes, everything he owned except for the robe he was wearing and a single night shirt were all work clothes. He grabbed the nicest looking outfit he had and put it on. He brushed his fur and looked at himself in the mirror again. To his eyes he didn’t look any better than he had before. He steeled himself and headed to the hospital. He looked around and found the place empty. He went to his office and sat at his desk, moments later he saw Dr. Luke enter the hospital and approach his office door.

“Dr. Luke have you seen...” He voice trailed off when he saw the rage on Luke’s face and his clenched fists. He walked up to Mr. Ages desk, grabbed the edge and shoved the desk aside, then he grabbed the arms of Mr. Ages chair and overturned it, spilling him onto the floor.

“What in heaven’s name do you think your doing?” Mr. Ages asked in protest.

“Get up, so I can knock you down.” Luke said angrily.

“What’s gotten in to you?” Mr. Ages asked in alarm.

“You of all people could never understand. How dare you treat Laura like that? Why didn’t you just grab a scapel and plunge it into her heart before you walked out the door.” He said angrily.

“What are you talking about? Surely she didn’t take it to heart.” Mr. Ages said.

Luke looked to angry for words for a few moments.

“Everyone has vulnerabilities they try to keep hidden. But like a marksman you bulls-eyed her greatest one. Laura is an exceptional physician; she was your first student and has worked long and hard to prove herself while working in the shadow of the ‘ legendary’ Mr. Ages. She has always been terrified that you would find some fault or mistake she had made and that it would make you think she was a failure. Then you just come along and with a few callous and thoughtless words you crush that poor woman’s self-esteem. She has never done anything to deserve such treatment from the likes of you. I’ve been on call since that conversation because she was so injured by your words she hasn’t been able to work. You’ve managed to make her doubt herself and everything she has been taught. To think, she and I used to actually respect and admire you.” Luke said in contempt and stormed out of the hospital, leaving Mr. Ages still sitting on the floor, staring at the door. Mr. Ages stood and dusted himself off and returned everything to its proper place. The nerve of him to treat me like that. After all that I’ve done for him. Mr. Ages thought angrily. How was I to know she would be so thin skinned? I knew I hurt her feelings, but I had no idea that I would crush them to dust. I should apologize. He rose from his seat and proceeded down the hall a short distance to Laura’s door. He hesitated and knocked.

“Laura?” He called out.

“Go away.” Was the reply.

“May I please speak to you.” He said.

“Go away!” She cried out.

Dejected, he walked back to the hospital and returned to his desk. He sat and stared at the wall, lost in his thoughts for quite a while. He looked up when he heard the door open, it was Mercy. She looked in his office and her entire face brightened when she saw him there, she hurried into his office. Mr. Ages felt his breath grow short and his heart was pounding, but to his surprise he didn’t feel afraid, for now he understood why he felt like this, and he was glad. He smiled.

“Welcome back Mr. Ages. I’ve missed you so much.” She said happily.

“Its good to see you again, Mercy.” He replied “Mercy, there is something we need to talk about.” He said seriously. She quickly drew a chair up to the desk and sat.

“About what?” She asked hopefully.

“About us.” He replied. Her eyes lit up and she leaned forward on the desk and looked into his eyes. Look at her, man. She does love you. Tell her. He told himself.

“May I ask you something, Mercy?” He asked. She smiled.

“Anything.” She replied and fluttered her eyelashes.

“How do you feel about me?” He asked. She smiled warmly.

“I love you.” She said. He wanted to leap out of his chair an take her into his arms. But then words emerged from his mouth almost against his will.

“Love me? Why?” she looked surprised by his response to her statement, but she maintained her smile.

“On the day of my pardon, when only days before I had been your enemy, you were willing to take me on as your student. You treated me no differently than your other students, you didn’t scorn me or judge me for what I had been. I saw then that beneath your cold and isolated exterior beat a heart of gold as big as the world. I have never before met anyone with a greater love for others than you and that is what really touched me.” she replied. He looked at her silently for a few moments.

“A great love for others? Be serious.” He retorted. She looked hurt. Ages, you fool what are you doing? He asked himself urgently.

“Who becomes a great healer because they don’t love people?” She asked.

“Mercy, I’m old enough to be your grandfather. While I realize that the number of available men of our kind and your own age is limited, surely there has got to be a better candidate than me.” He said. What are you trying to do? Stop before its to late! He thought desperately. She looked shocked.

“But its you that I love.” She replied in anguish.

“Mercy, what could you love about a selfish, tired, broken down old man like me?” He asked. He saw tears fill her eyes.

“If that’s the way you see yourself, its no wonder no one has ever loved you before.” She said sadly and headed toward the door. Stop her you fool! She said she loves you, tell her you love her! Don’t let it end like this. When she got to the door she paused, with her back to him. She stopped, she’s giving you a chance to take your words back. Tell her you love her, hurry! He just sat there in silence and she fled the hospital in tears. He rested his head in his hands. What have I done? He asked himself in despair. Eventually he dragged himself back to his room. He turned on the light and looked at his apartment. It could only be described as Spartan, only the barest necessities and furniture. Bookshelves packed with medical texts and nothing else. He walked into his bedroom and examined it also, again all that was there was a bed and a nightstand with a lamp and that was all. If someone had to describe him by only his home they could come up with no lengthier description than “Medicine” and not one other word could be added, because there was nothing else in his life but his work. He lay down on his bed and stretched his arms out from his sides. Well Ages, this is what you always wanted. You have the whole bed to yourself, you don’t have to share anything with anybody. You’ve worked long and hard to have this freedom. You let your guard down. Don’t let it happen again. Laura will get over her hurt feelings, eventually. Mercy...she’s young, very beautiful and a joy just to be with, she’l l...she’ll find someone else and then she’ll be happy again. He thought as he drifted off to sleep.

In his dream he found himself again in the fortress, separated from Mercy by the chasm. She looked at him sadly and lowered her head. The radiance that filled the fortress drew back behind the door, the cold and darkness descended on him and the fortress. He wanted to reach out to her, but the armor seemed to grow even heavier than it had been before. He watched helplessly as the door closed, cutting off all the light that illuminated the darkness. When the door was shut, he watched in astonishment as deadbolts seemingly appeared from nowhere to bolt the door shut. A large beam slid across its length to bar any possible entry and heavy chains snaked across its surface to seal it for all eternity. He was alone again, the fortress felt even gloomier and deserted than it had been before. He stared at the door, a door he had shut to keep out the one invader that had breached all his defenses. But now he was safe. No one could get close enough to touch him or hurt him ever again. This is the way he liked it. He stood in silence.

It was a hard won victory, but you triumphed and the invader was driven away. Freedom and security are yours now, forever. A voice told him. He felt the warmth her presence had brought beginning to slip away, to be replaced by the bone chilling cold that he was accustomed to. To his surprise tears began to blur his vision, but the weight of the armor made it impossible for him to move to wipe them away. He looked at the door and he was suddenly filled with determination. With a surge of strength he would have thought impossible, he managed to take a step forward.

“Mercy! I love you! Please come back to me!” he cried out and took another step forward. With each step the weight of the armor felt like it grew lighter and it appeared that he himself now had a faint radiance. When he got to the chasm, he stopped and then took several steps back and ran toward it and then he leaped into the air. He crashed against the other side and just barely managed to grab on with his finger tips. He clutched desperately at the crumbling ledge, trying valiantly to get to safety. Nearly exhausted, he managed to scramble onto solid ground. He got to his feet and approached the door. It seemed to grow larger and more intimidating with each step closer. When he finally reached the door it towered over him. He looked at the chains and bolts meant to keep him trapped inside. He hesitated for a moment, his armor instantly began to grow heavy again.

“No! I will not be your prisoner any longer. We will be together and there is nothing you can do to stop it.” He shouted and tore off his armor, he walked up to the door and with a cry of rage he grasped it and tore it off its hinges. Now it seemed as though it was trying to crush him with its vast weight, but he didn’t despair and with a mighty heave he hurled the door into the yawning chasm and a moment later the chasm vanished as though it had never been. He turned and saw Mercy standing at the threshold of the doorway. Her radiance again filled the fortress, but now it was joined by his own. Her expression was one of joy, she looked to him and smiled. He rushed over to her, he took her hand and brought her across the threshold into the fortress. Suddenly light poured into the dark recess’ of the fortress and in the barren soil of its interior, flowers bloomed. He took her in his arms.

“Mercy, I love you.” He said.

“Mr. Ages, I love you.” She responded happily. Then he kissed her.

He woke with a start and looked around.

“Mercy!” He cried out and leaped out of bed. He quickly changed and rushed into the hall, but he stopped when he heard the voices of Luke and Laura coming from inside Luke’; s apartment. First things first. You must try to undo the damage you’ve done to them before you take another step. He told himself. He knocked on the door.

“Luke, Laura we really need to talk.” He said gently.

“We have nothing to say to you.” Luke said angrily. Mr. Ages grew angry. He opened the door and entered.

“Hey, get out of my place!” Luke yelled. To Mr. Ages surprise he found Luke sitting on his sofa, with Laura sitting on the floor, her head was resting against his chest and he held her hand in his. It was obvious she had been crying.

“Say your peace and get out.” Luke said angrily.

So that is what he meant when he said I wouldn’t understand how he felt. He’s in love with her. You may have already irreparably damaged your friendship with them and you may have very well ruined her career. Swallow your pride man, do whatever is necessary to make up for what you did to them.

Luke and Laura watched in astonishment as Mr. Ages got down on his knees before them.

“Laura. I’m sorry for what I said to you. You are not a failure, I couldn’t be prouder of you, of both of you. I was a fool for saying what I did. You’re diagnosis was absolutely correct Laura...I am in love with Mercy. Please forgive me, if you can.” He said and hung his head. He suddenly felt himself being embraced by Laura.

“I can forgive you.” She said. He looked over her shoulder at Luke. Luke’s face showed a great deal of different emotions, as if trying to decide if he should be angry or glad.

“Mr. Ages...” Luke started to say, but then looked ashamed.

“Luke, forget it. I really can understand now.” Mr. Ages said. Laura wiped her eyes and looked at Mr. Ages.

“Does Mercy know how you feel?” She asked.

“Not yet, but I hurt her feelings as well. It may be to late for me.” He said sadly.

Laura pulled him to his feet.

“You go out there and find her this instant. The longer you wait the deeper the wound becomes.” She said and ushered him out the door.

“Yes, I must find her.” He said desperately and headed off for a meeting with destiny. He searched high and low for her. He even went to her family’s place and got them out of bed to answer his frantic knocking. They told him she had not come home yet. After that he looked at his watch and realized where he would normally be at this time of night, where Mercy would probably be if she was indeed developing his bad habits. He quickly made his way to the Cafeteria.

He stood at the entrance door and looked inside, the place, except for the cooking staff in the kitchen, was deserted. He stepped inside and cautiously looked around. Far off on the other side of the room he could see Mercy sitting, looking out a window at the starry sky. Well Ages, this is it. You threw away your first and second chance. Please God, let her give me a third. He thought as he made his way to her. When he got within a few steps of her he stopped. Don’t you dare stop now. You have to tell her. A few more steps and three simple words. He mustered his courage and marched boldly up to her. She was startled by his sudden appearance and looked up to face him, she looked very sad. He decided it was now or never and took a deep breath.

“Mercy. I love you, do you...do you still love me?” He asked hopefully and waited the few agonizing seconds before she responded. She rose to her feet and faced him. He couldn’t read the emotion on her face. Please answer me. Love me or hate me, just say something, I beg you. His heart cried out desperately. She closed her eyes. He held his breath. Then she opened her eyes and smiled. His heart leaped with joy.

“I love you, Mr. Ages.” She said. He suddenly remembered the ending of his dream. Do I dare? He wondered. He moved forward and hesitantly held out his arms to embrace her. She noticed his nervousness and stepped forward into his embrace and wrapped her arms around him and with great force of will he slowly wrapped his arms around her. They looked into each others eyes. Kiss her, you fool! You told her at last and you’re holding her in your arms for heaven’s sake. Its one little step further. He thought. He released her and brought his hands up to gently touch her face. Then he had a terrifying realization. I’ve never kissed or been kissed, what the heck am I supposed to do? He asked himself. Quit stalling and just make it up as you go. Was the response.

He leaned forward and kissed her. To him the kiss seemed to last forever, not that he minded terribly. When it did at last end, he drew back and saw a big smile on her face.

“Its how I always dreamed my first kiss would be.” She said happily.

“It was your first kiss as well?” He asked in shock. She nodded and hugged him again. I could certainly get used to this. He thought.

“Mercy, I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you in the office. I was afraid and wasn’t thinking straight.” Mr. Ages said. She smiled.

“Kiss me again and I’ll forgive you.” She said teasingly. Now with a little more boldness he kissed her again.

“All is forgiven.” She whispered happily, afterward. He heard a happy sigh, but it was not from Mercy. He looked around and saw across the room the six women of the kitchen staff all leaning on and standing at the counter watching them, all were smiling and there was not a dry eye among them. Mr. Ages frowned.

“Do you mind? We would like a little privacy, please.” He said with annoyance.

The rats quickly dispersed, they all smiled and politely went back to work.

“Perhaps we should go back to the office and talk about this.” He said.

“Yes, my love.” She responded and took his hand. He was completely oblivious to everyone and everything as they returned to the hospital. The sensation of her holding his hand seemed to consume his entire awareness.

In his office they sat next to each other, still holding hands and they opened their hearts to the other. They both spoke of their deep loneliness, their fears and love for each other. She was particularly touched when he described what he could remember of his dreams. They talked until the clock struck three.

“I hate to stop, but we’re both on duty tomorrow and poor Dr. Luke is exhausted from all the work he has been doing the last few days.” Mercy said apologetically.

“You’re right of course. Let him get some rest, he deserves it.” He said. They closed down the hospital for the night and he walked her home. They again walked hand in hand, just a few hours ago he would have been burning with embarrassment for doing that in public, but now it didn’t seem to bother him. At her door they stopped.

“May I have a goodnight kiss?” She asked coyly.

“If I may.” He replied nervously. She smiled in response.

“You may.” She said. He again took her in his arms and kissed her. He couldn’t help noticing that each proceeding kiss was becoming easier and more comfortable.

“Thank you.” She said before she went inside.

“Goodnight, Mercy. Sleep well.” He said.

“I shall and may you sleep just as well as I will.” She replied and went inside.

Mr. Ages returned to his apartment lost in his thoughts. Are you really ready for this Ages? You’ve taken a bold step, do you have any regrets? He asked himself.

None what so ever. Was the response to his unspoken question.

His sleep that night was pleasant, but dreamless. He woke the next morning feeling refreshed and happy. He got up and quickly dressed. He looked in the mirror and to his surprise he was actually smiling. He felt years younger this morning. He couldn’t wait to get to work this morning, which was easy enough considering his front door was five steps from the door to the hospital. When he arrived he saw Dr. Laura and Mercy speaking with a young male rat who had a bandage wrapped around his wrist. Mr. Ages was greatly relieved to see Dr. Laura back at work in the hospital. Mr. Ages waited anxiously for the patient to leave, he tapped his foot and drummed his fingers on the desk. After what seemed like an eternity he saw Mercy and Dr. Laura escort the young man to the door, when he was gone they both entered Mr. Ages office. Mercy ran to him and he leaped out of his chair and they embraced. He looked at Dr. Laura, she just stood there with her mouth hanging open in shock. Mr. Ages could only smile in response, at that he saw Laura rub her eyes as if to say she was doubting what she was seeing.

“Your not hallucinating, Laura. I love her and she loves me. Isn’t it grand?” He said with satisfaction. Her shocked looked was quickly replaced by a smile.

He wanted desperately to spend the day with her, but duty was duty, he had been neglecting his work for almost a week and it had to be done. Mercy “accidentally” passed his door numerous times and they would exchange smiles when they saw each other. Some of his work that day took him out of the hospital.

As he walked he greeted everyone he met with a warm smile and a friendly greeting, causing no end of shocked looks and gasps of surprise. As he continued, he began to ponder a serious question. Its the definition of “sudden” but you must do it. You’ve loved her since you met her, you just haven’t been able to admit it till yesterday. She’s loved you since she met you, but she was afraid I wouldn’t feel the same way and until yesterday she was right. But you’re sure now. I’ve made her wait so long just for me to say “I love you”, I wonder how long she expects me to hesitate before I ask her to marry me? He wondered to himself. He finished his tasks as quickly as he could and rushed back to the hospital. When he returned he found Mercy and Laura in the medical library.

“Laura, may I have a moment alone with Mercy.” He asked gently. She smiled and walked off. He looked into Mercy’s eyes. If he used all the words in the English language he couldn’t describe the look in her eyes, it seemed to him as if she was reading his mind and knew what was about to take place. Are you ready Ages? Are your ready to share your life, your love and your home with Mercy? He asked himself. He got down on one knee.

“Mercy, there is something I want to ask you...and I certainly realize that it is very sudden, so I will understand if you aren’t sure. Its a big step and we must be sure that its what’s best. We’re both adults and have the sense to know to look before we leap, so to speak.” Keep this up Romeo and she’s going to start nodding off. Come on man, spit it out! “Mercy...will you marry me?” He asked. He could see tears forming in her eyes and her smile was wider and brighter than normal, she knelt on the floor with him and hugged him tightly.

“You must answer me one question before I answer yours.” She said, tears of joy rolling down her cheeks.

“What question?” He asked desperately.

“What’s your name?” She asked. He looked confused, then he realized she meant his first name, he used it so infrequently that for a moment he couldn’t even remember his own first name.

“Its Arthur. I started going by ‘Mr. Ages’ so to avoid confusion with Arthur the engineer.” He replied.

“Yes, I will marry you, Arthur Ages.” She said and kissed him. They stayed in their embrace for a long time, both to happy for words. To his own amazement he felt tears of joy run down his cheeks. A short time later they emerged from the library hand in hand. When they did they found Drs. Luke and Laura standing there, both seemingly in a daze. Mr. Ages smiled at them. Luke looked astonished.

“Good day to you, Luke.”

“Uh...Good day to you as well. You feeling all right?” He responded nervously.

“Its no exaggeration to say that I’ve never felt better in my life.” He replied.

“Luke, Laura, Mr. Ages proposed! And I said yes! Were going to be married!” Mercy cried out in delight. After a long stunned silence they rushed forward and congratulated them. A short time later they heard the buzz of the intercom, Luke rushed to answer it. He reappeared a few moments later.

“I hate to interrupt this happy moment, but President Justin wishes to see you in his office, Mr. Ages.” Luke said. Mr. Ages frowned.

“I’m sorry Mercy, I’ll make this a quick as possible.” He said apologetically and hurried out of the hospital. He was bursting with excitement as he walked, he was glad actually, now that Justin had called. He wanted to share this with everyone. He entered the presidential office with a big smile on his face. Justin was standing looking out the window when he entered.

“Good morning, Justin. How are you this glorious morning? How may I be of service to you?” He said joyously. Justin turned slowly with a look of astonishment.

“I’m very well this morning, as I see you are. Are you feeling well?” He asked.

“Never better, never better.” He replied.

“The reason I asked you here is that I have received reports that you were seen smiling in public and frankly that caused me some concern and I had to see it for myself.” Justin said.

“Why is that?” Mr. Ages asked.

“Well, I’ve never witnessed a miracle before. You haven’t been dipping into the prescriptions have you?” Justin asked hesitantly. Mr. Ages smiled.

“Nothing of the sort. Surely the gossip has gone around to explain my behavior.” He said cheerfully.

“Haven’t heard a word. Please, tell me.” Justin said.

“Justin. I’m in love with Mercy and she has agreed to marry me.” Mr. Ages said.

Justin quickly reached for his chair and sank into it.

“If I lived to be a thousand years old, I never would have expected to hear you say those words.” Justin said seriously, then as they sank in he smiled broadly and rushed out of his chair and crouched down in front of Mr. Ages and shook his hand.

“Congratulations, Mr. Ages. I’m still so stunned I can’t think of anything else to say.” Justin said.

“I want you to perform the ceremony, Justin.”

“I would be honored. You realize don’t you that this will be no mere wedding? For the wedding of Mr. Ages will be nothing short of a nation holiday. I hope you don’n t plan on making a guest list because every man, woman and child in the entire valley is going to want to attend your wedding.” Justin said. Mr. Ages looked aghast at the thought of all the rats in Thorn Valley at his wedding.

“Justin, you’re my friend, you know that don’t you?” Mr. Ages asked, his smile fading.

“Well, I’ve liked to flatter myself by thinking that, but its nice to hear you actually say it.” Justin responded with a smile. Mr. Ages sighed.

“I am profoundly sorry that I never said it before. Justin, is it really so difficult to believe that I can change my ways?” He asked seriously, but with a hint of sadness.

“Well, to be perfectly frank, yes. For as long as I have known you, you have labored long and hard to isolate yourself from everyone. Its just hard to believe you can change a lifetime of habit so quickly. I certainly like these changes, I must admit.” Justin replied.

“As a friend I want to share a deep dark secret with you that I have not told anyone before. Justin, I am afraid of rats.” Mr. Ages said. Justin gasped.

“Rats? Even me?” He asked.

“No, not you. You see, long before I was captured by NIMH I was attacked and nearly killed by a rat and that left scars, physical and emotional. I hated and feared rats, until the escape from NIMH, that is. You and Nicodemus did much to heal those wounds. It was you Justin who opened our cages and freed the mice and it was Nicodemus who caught me as I blew past him when the fans began blowing in the vent. Later, as we traveled it was for pure survival that I had to overcome my fears, but when we settled down on the farm and the rats built the colony and your numbers began to grow that the fear came back. It was bad enough with Jonathan and I being the only mice in a colony of rats, but when he met Rose and moved out, leaving me alone, it was to much for me to endure, so I moved into the old thresher. You rats were still important to me, don’n t get me wrong. We shared a common destiny, whether I liked it or not. When you moved here to Thorn Valley, I knew that I must follow. I had a skill that was desperately needed and I couldn’t let my personal feelings threaten the well being of the group. But it is still a struggle sometimes, the reason I eat at odd hours is to avoid the huge crowd of rats at meal times. I just don’t know if I can handle an army of rats all watching me and crowding around me, I’m going to be nervous enough just getting married.” Mr. Ages replied. Justin thought for a while and smiled.

“Mr. Ages, I ask you to at least consider it. We rats are all in your debt. How many of us have you healed? How many of our lives have you saved? Why you personally delivered over ninety five percent of the of the rats in this community. You delivered my wife when she was a baby and just a few months ago you delivered her babies. Mr. Ages, I suspect that your fear has prevented you from truly understanding just how much you are loved and respected by this community. It doesn’t matter to any of them that you are a mouse. While all of them grew up, it was you who treated their childhood illness’ and their bumps and bruises. I have never heard an unkind word said of you. Again I ask...no, I implore you to give the rats of Thorn Valley a chance to show you how much you mean to us.” Justin said sincerely. Mr. Ages thought about Justin’s words, he reluctantly considered the possibility that he had been deliberately turning a blind eye to the goodwill directed at him so that he could maintain his aloofness from the rats. As he thought about his years with the rats he had to admit that he had never been treated with anything less than total respect. I have lived in isolation my entire life. Even as a Natural I lived alone. I have indeed spent my life separated from not only my own kind but the rats as well, I had dedicated my new life to my work and now that I have trained others to help, the burden no longer rests solely on my shoulders. I have brought comfort and healing to others, now at last I can perhaps experience comfort and healing of my ills, if I will let them. Mr. Ages smiled at Justin.

“Justin, my friend. You are right. You can announce to all that all of Thorn Valley is welcome to share in our joy.” He said happily. Mr. Ages was shocked when he saw Justin pinch himself.

“Just checking.” He said with a grin.

As Mr. Ages was returning to the hospital he heard Justin’s voice come over the P.A. system.

“Ladies and Gentlemen of Thorn Valley. I have been asked to make a very special, wonderful announcement. But before I make it I recommend that you sit down first. I have been asked to announce the engagement of Mercy and...Mr. Ages. The details of the wedding have not been finalized yet but we will keep you posted.” He could hear Justin’s barely restrained excitement as he made the announcement.

When Mr. Ages returned to the hospital he found a crowd of rats and mice gathered in the lobby. Many were there just to congratulate him and Mercy and quite a few others were there with minor injuries resulting from accidents caused by the shock of the announcement. Among the group were Mercy’s parents. After he had made his way through the crowd of well wishers and helped in treating the patients, he, Mercy and her parents went into his office to talk. To his surprise Mercy had already spoken to them about her feelings for him and he was relieved to discover they had no reservations about the marriage and gave it their whole hearted blessing.

Mr. Ages got very little work done that day as waves of people came by to congratulate the couple. It was much later in the evening when he and Mercy were in his office talking, they heard the sound of someone at the door to the office, they looked up and were delighted to see Jonathan and Rose Brisby.

“I hope you don’t mind us stopping by to wish you well.” Rose said.

“We know you’ve been swamped by people, but we just couldn’t stand not telling you both.” Jonathan said. Mr. Ages leaped out of his chair and rushed over to them.

To their collective amazement, Mr. Ages embraced Jonathan.

“Jonathan, my old friend.” He said warmly and released him and then hugged Rose.

“Rose, dear compassionate Rose.” He said. Jonathan and Rose just stood there in stunned silence for quite a while.

“Who are you and what have you done with the real Mr. Ages?” Jonathan asked jokingly.

“Are you feeling okay?” Rose asked. Mr. Ages smiled.

“Rose and Jonathan. This is the most wonderful day of my life.” He said joyously. They all sat and talked and Jonathan and Rose just could not believe the change that had taken place in their old friend.

“Jonathan, your my oldest and dearest friend. I want you to be my best man.”

“Ages, I would be proud to do it.”

“Mrs. Brisby, I owe you so much. If I may ask, would you be one of my bridesmaids?” Mercy asked hesitantly.

“Mercy, I would also be proud to do it. And call me Rose.” Rose replied with a smile.

“I know that love can change people, but Ages you certainly take the cake. Its like your a whole different person.” Jonathan said. Mr. Ages smiled and took Mercy’s hand in his.

“Jonathan, Mercy was a catalyst for many changes that needed to be made in my life. As I examined my feelings for her I had been forced to examine my fears and beliefs and to justify my reasons for being the way I was. In the last week I have looked back on my life with great dismay, it all boiled down to fear. Not just of love, but of everything. That is why I have hidden myself away from the world. I didn’t want anyone or anything to get close enough to hurt me and in doing so I missed out on life’s greatest joy and wonder, to love and to be loved, or so I thought until Mercy said ‘yes’ and then I realized I had been given a chance to live life after all. To live life with a most beautiful and loving woman.” he said and kissed Mercy’s cheek. Mercy smiled and spoke.

“And I had been given a chance to live life by the people of Thorn Valley and I fell in love with a handsome, loving and mature man whom I thought myself not worthy of the love of such as he, but he loved me as much as I loved him and now we have a chance to share all of life’s joys and wonders together.” Mercy said and hugged him.

Jonathan and Rose were now sitting closer together, holding hands.

“I have to admit its going to take some time to get used to the change from Mr. Ages, grumpy old man to Mr. Ages, emotional extrovert.” Rose said. Mr. Ages smiled.

“Given time I’ll regain some of my decorum, but for now I’m to happy and I have a lifetime of unsaid things to catch up on.” Mr. Ages replied.

The wedding, when it was finally scheduled was to take place in four weeks time. Mr. Ages could not deny that Justin’s prediction was totally correct, the rats pulled out all the stops to prepare for his wedding. It was decided that it would be held outside, because of the size of the crowd. The menu was prepared, it was vast. The entire textile production of the valley ground to a halt for the task of making the wedding clothes. Invitations were printed up anyway. The words on the front, in gold leaf read “The Wedding of the Ages.” Mr. Ages chose as his groomsmen, Timothy Brisby, Brutus and Dr. Luke and Mercy chose as her bridesmaids Rose, Cynthia and Jenny Brisby, with Dr. Laura as maid of honor. Arthur the chief engineer had knocked out the wall between Mr. Ages apartment and the unoccupied one next to it so that they had enough room for it to be a real home. New furniture was rushed into production. A mood of anticipation settled over the valley as everyone prepared for the wedding. Mr. Ages found it difficult to concentrate on his work, so he took some time off, for the first time in his career. He spent the time with Mercy and also in getting to know the people of Thorn Valley, people he had worked years to alienate. This particular morning found the two of them strolling arm in arm along the shore of the lake.

“Arthur, you certainly have changed in the last month.” Mercy said happily.

“I hope you’re not disappointed, I was a different person when you fell in love with me.” Mr. Ages responded nervously. She smiled.

“Not in the least. You’ve become the man that you always were on the inside. Your just not afraid to show it now.” She said. He stopped and turned to look at her, he took her hands in his and then kissed her. And to think you almost threw this away. Never knowing what love was like. You were lucky, very lucky. He thought.

With the wedding less than a week away, the groom and his groomsmen were all at the tailor for the final fittings.

“Well, Ages, Getting cold feet yet?” Jonathan asked.

“Not in the least. I can’t wait, in fact.” Mr. Ages replied as he stood before the mirror while the tailor examined the fit of his attire. Mr. Ages looked at himself in the mirror. The suit looked great, it was a black tunic with a white shirt with a blue cummerbund and a black jacket. As he looked he saw that Brutus looked sad.

“Brutus, what’s on your mind?” He asked. Brutus looked down.

“Nicodemus.” He replied. Mr. Ages felt a twinge of sorrow for their lost friend.

“It would have been nice to have him here. He never would have believed that you would get married.” Jonathan said sadly. Timothy put his arm around his father’s shoulder.

“We can take solace in the fact that we know he would have been happy to see it.” Timothy said. Mr. Ages looked to Brutus again.

“So Brutus, have you proposed to Sylvia yet?” He asked. Brutus’ features brightened.

“Yes.”

“And did she accept?” Mr. Ages asked. Brutus’ eyes lit up.

“Yes!” He replied excitedly.

Mr. Ages lay on his bed looking at the ceiling, he turned on the light on his night stand and looked at his watch. It was after one a.m. He couldn’t sleep. He had enjoyed the anticipation and preparation for the wedding, but enough was enough. The rehearsal had gone well and soon it would be the real thing. He was getting married later that same day and he knew he should try to get some sleep, part of it was the fact he was now sleeping in a new, bigger bed. Well Ages, this is it. Your last night alone, what was it that Tim had said? ‘Think carefully when you decide which side of the bed you sleep on, because once its decided it becomes written in stone. So choose wisely.’ Mr. Ages tried both sides and it really didn’t make any difference to him. Imagine Ages, getting to wake up to her smiling face every morning. He had seen very little of Mercy the last few days. He wondered if she was having trouble sleeping also. He stared at the clock for a while and then turned off his lamp and attempted to get some sleep.

He was awakened later that morning by knocking on his door. He quickly dressed and opened the door to find Jonathan, Timothy, Justin, Dr. Luke and Brutus all in the hallway.

“Look at the time man, its less than four hours until the wedding. Lets get moving!” Jonathan said and hustled the protesting Mr. Ages all the way to the cafeteria for a light breakfast. The cafeteria had been lavishly decorated for the reception and in a corner an area had been cleared for dancing. He found himself to excited to eat. Justin stood and raised his mug of coffee.

“I wish to make a toast to our good friend, Mr. Ages.” he said. Everyone joined him in his toast. Mr. Ages stood.

“Friends, thank you. I appreciate the effort that all of you have put into my wedding. I am touched by your friendship, even though I certainly have never been a good friend to any of you, you included Jonathan. I’m just grateful that I came to my senses and realized that I still had friends, before it was to late.” He said and joined the others in the toast.

After the meal they ushered him to the tailor. He again found himself in front of the mirror.

“Are you ready, Mr. Ages?” Timothy asked.

“Timothy, wild horses couldn’t keep me away.” He replied.

“Amazing.” Brutus said.

“I agree. Who would have imagined Mr. Ages as a husband and a...” Jonathan smiled and paused. “Well, it is certainly something that I never expected to see.”

Soon they made their way to the wedding site. In the middle of a grassy plain, numerous benches had been set up, flowers decorated everything. A long red carpet ran between the middle of the benches. At the end of the carpet a raised platform had been set up and on it stood a podium. A microphone had been placed on it and there were speakers strategically around the area. At the other end of the carpet two tents were prepared, one for the groom and his people and the other for the bride and her people.

In the tent they found snacks had been left for them. They all watched the clock and paced. Brutus devoured most of the snacks. They could hear the guests begin to arrive. Mr. Ages peeked outside the tent. It did indeed appear that all of Thorn Valley had turned out for the wedding. Only for an instant did he feel a twinge of fear, but it quickly passed. They posed no threat to him. They were here to wish him well and all were happy for him. A short time later someone came to fetch Justin to begin preparing the ceremony. Mr. Ages began to feel nervous. Relax, this is what you wanted. You have found the woman of your dreams and amazingly, she considers you of all people to be the man of her dreams. He thought as he continued to watch the clock. Soon they heard the music starting. A rat stuck his head into the tent.

“Five minutes.” He said. Mr. Ages suddenly felt very nervous.

“Jonathan, how do I look? Is my suit okay? How does my fur look? What about my breath?” He asked nervously. Jonathan smiled.

“Relax Ages, you look great. You’re just experiencing last minute jitters.”

“Yes, you’re right. I need to relax.” He said and took a couple of deep breaths. Soon the groomsmen were called out. Leaving just Mr. Ages and Jonathan behind.

“Well Ages, you’re about to take the first step on a wonderful journey. May you never have reason to regret your decision.” Jonathan said.

“Thank you, Jonathan.” He said and hugged Jonathan. Jonathan patted him on the back.

“Its time.” Jonathan said and led Mr. Ages out of the tent. Jonathan arm in arm with Dr. Laura headed to the front to join the groomsmen and bridesmaids by the podium, leaving Mr. Ages alone at the back. The eyes of the entire community turned to look at him. He felt his hands begin shaking. He mustered his courage and began walking forward. Look well Ages, every one of those faces has a smile on it. He thought as he walked, when he got to the front he took his place. He glanced at Brutus. See, even Brutus is smiling. Your hands were the first to hold him when he was born, your eyes the first to see him. Just a tiny helpless baby in your hands. But that was true of almost all of them, Justin was right. They are not my enemies, truer friends a mouse could not have. He thought. Soon the music increased in volume and the wedding march began to play. All eyes turned toward the back. Mr. Ages gasped when he saw Mercy. She looked radiant and her wedding dress looked fit for a royal wedding. Two of her little sisters followed far behind her holding the train of her gown and her father walked arm in arm with her down the isle, while her mother sat in the front row, crying. When she joined him at the front, Mr. Ages saw through her veil a smile so wide and so bright that she couldn’t have suppressed it if she had tried. Justin began the ceremony, Mr. Ages was only dimly aware of what Justin was saying, he and Mercy just stood, looking lovingly in each others eyes.

“And now Mr. Ages and Mercy wished to say what is in their hearts.” Justin said.

Mr. Ages and Mercy just continued to look at each other.

“Mercy, Mr. Ages. Your on.” Justin whispered. That snapped them both back to reality.

“Mercy, I want to thank you for seeing the man I was on the inside and being willing to draw him out. Our time together has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I never realized just how much I was missing out of life. There was a void in my heart and it was shaped like you.” He said with deep emotion in his voice.

“Arthur, I have spent my life trapped among villains, never daring to believe that there could ever be anyone to truly love me. I despaired and resigned myself to a lonely fate, but you with your great big heart, dared to make room in it for me, I am honored and touched that it was me who you were willing to love.” She said, tears running down her cheeks. Justin quickly moved on to the vows.

“Mr. Ages, do you take Mercy to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor and cherish her, in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad for as long as you both shall live?” He asked.

“I do.” He said without hesitation.

“Mercy, do you take Arthur Ages to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honor and cherish him, in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” She said just as quickly.

“Then by the power invested in me by God and the people of Thorn Valley, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Justin said with a smile. Mr. Ages lifted her veil, then embraced and kissed her. The crowd let out a great cheer.

After the ceremony it took almost an hour for the crowd to get past the receiving line. Every single person in the valley stopped, shook his hand and congratulated him. After the crowd had finally made its way through and had gone to the reception, the wedding party was preparing to leave when Arthur, chief of engineering appeared with several other rats following close behind him carrying a strange object.

“Wait!” He called out.

“What is it Arthur? We don’t want to be late for the reception.” Mr. Ages said.

“I’ve been waiting for a special occasion to unveil this.” He said gesturing to the rats that had come with him, who were setting up a strange machine.

“Is that what I think it is?” Justin asked.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Ages. May I present Thorn Valley’s first camera. Color camera, I might add.” Arthur said proudly. Without protest the wedding party returned to the platform for this historic moment. Arthur posed them like a pro as he snapped away. He took about twenty pictures in all and gave assurances that the prints would be ready in a few days.

When they arrived they were introduced in couples, it was a funny sight to some to see Jonathan Brisby and Dr. Laura and Brutus and Cynthia all trying to walk arm in arm to the head table in a dignified manner. There was much cheering as they entered, but when the bride and groom entered the place erupted in applause and everyone rose to their feet.

The reception was grand indeed, the food was fantastic and the music was excellent. The cake was undeniably a work of art, it was indeed the largest cake that Thorn Valley had ever witnessed. It was five layers high and had arches made of sugar going to three level columns in all four directions. Arthur and his people returned with the camera for pictures of the cake and the reception. Mr. Ages sat there observing all the fanfare. All of this is for Mercy and I. Done out of the goodness of their hearts, because they care about us. How could I have been so blind to all this? Simple, I chose to be blind to all of this. He glanced at Mercy, she looked to him with a big smile on her face. He never tired of seeing her smile. Just think Ages, that smile is because of you. He thought.

When the time came to cut the cake, the bride and groom each put a hand on the knife and stood by as Arthur took a picture. Then the cake was cut and pieces were handed out. It tasted as good as it looked. A short time later the tempo of the music changed and people began dancing. Mercy drew the reluctant Mr. Ages onto the dance floor. Now he felt nervous, high on the list of things he had never done was dancing. But the band mercifully kept the beat soft, for slow dancing. Mr. Ages could at least fake that. They held each other closely as they danced. Eventually, others wanted to dance with the couple and to Mr. Ages surprise he had found himself dancing with quite a few lady-rats just as Mercy also found herself sharing a dance with men of both species. But the mixed couple that attracted the most attention was Luke and Laura dancing away, off in their own little world. As much as Mr. Ages was enjoying the reception, it was beginning to wear on him, he was even seeing things. He could have sworn that just for an instant he saw Nicodemus, Sullivan and the “evil” Martin at the back of the room. As it grew later the couple decided that the time had come to go and after a long farewell to the huge crowd they made their way to their new home.

EPILOGUE

Over the next few weeks following the wedding, Mr. Ages regained his self-control and his professional attitude returned to a degree, professional, but not aloof as he had been before. He was indeed more outgoing and friendly. He now enjoyed his work as never before. Life couldn’t be better. He thought as he entered the hospital, he was supposed to be off that day but wanted to drop by to see Mercy. He didn’t see anyone at first, but walked around and heard Mercy and Dr. Laura in an examination room, the door was open and he looked inside. His blood went cold when he saw that Mercy was crying and Laura had her hands comfortingly on Mercy’s shoulders. Suddenly all the fears of loss that had plagued him were right before his eyes. It couldn’t be, it can’t be. Nothing could happen to Mercy. I couldn’t bear to lose her. He thought with growing fear and horror. Mercy turned and gasped when she saw him. He ran up to her and pulled her off the table into his arms. He had tears in his eyes.

“Mercy, please tell me what’s wrong, whatever it is we’ll find a cure. I won’t let anything happen to you. I couldn’t bear to live without you.” He said desperately. She smiled.

“Arthur, what’s gotten into you?” She asked.

“But, why are you in here? Why are you crying?” He asked in confusion.

“I am not crying because I’m sad, I am crying because I’m so happy.” She said and kissed his cheek. He saw that Laura now had a big smile on her face. He looked confused.

“What’s going on?” He asked urgently.

“I wanted to make sure before I told you.” She replied.

“Told me what?” He asked.

“Arthur Ages, you’re going to be a father.” She said happily. His knees gave out and he collapsed to the floor. That’s what Jonathan almost said the morning of the wedding, ‘husband and a father.’ its a good thing he didn’t say it. I probably would have had the same reaction. He thought as Mercy helped him to his feet.

“Mercy. I don’t know what to say.” He said.

“Say you are happy.” She replied.

“Mercy, I am overjoyed. Happy beyond words.” He hugged her and kissed her over and over.

“Let me be the first to congratulate the happy couple.” Laura said and hugged them both.

“Thank you, Laura. I want you to deliver the baby, I don’t think Arthur will be in the right frame of mind for that.” Mercy said. Mr. Ages nodded his head.

“I agree, look, my hands are shaking even now. I never even imagined that I could be a father. I thought I was to old to father a child. The possibility didn’t even cross my mind. Not because I didn’t want to be, but because I thought I couldn’t . Mercy, now my life is complete. You have given me everything I could have ever dreamed of. You are a miracle to me.” He said and kissed her. She smiled, with tears in her eyes.

“Flatterer.” She said.

Over the next three months Mr. Ages found himself very grateful for the friendship of Jonathan, Timothy and Justin. He knew everything about the process of giving birth. But now finding himself as the expectant father left him unprepared for the life of a father. He spoke at length with his friends about what to expect. They all promised to wait with him when Mercy went into labor and that day was quickly arriving. The cradle was already in the bedroom and all the necessities of child raising were ready and waiting. Mercy continued with her training and studies up until that very day. When labor began Laura rushed her into the delivery room and Mr. Ages contacted Justin and he in turn contacted the others.

Mr. Ages found himself actually to nervous to pace. Soon he was joined by Justin and Isabella, Mercy’s parents and the entire Brisby clan. They filled the time by recounting their memories of the deliveries of their own children. Justin and Timothy paced back and forth across the room, while the others just sat and waited.

What if something goes wrong and she dies in childbirth like poor Nell? Could I live without her and could I raise our child without her, or would I blame the child like Jenner did? What if we lose the child...What if I lose Mercy and the child? No, don’t you dare start thinking like this, Mercy will be fine and we will raise our child together. He told himself. A short time later the door opened and Dr. Laura stepped out. Mr. Ages breathed a sigh of relief when he saw she was smiling.

“Mr. Ages. Mother and son are resting comfortably.” she said.

“A son? A son!” He exclaimed. Dr. Laura brought Mr. Ages into the recovery room. Mercy, exhausted, held a small bundle in her arms. She smiled weakly when she saw him.

“Mercy.” He said, overcome with emotion.

“Arthur, may I present our son.” She said and handed the bundle to him. He looked down and saw the tiny newborn. He was the most beautiful thing in the world to him. He moved close to Mercy and kissed her cheek.

“Mercy he’s beautiful and so are you.” He said.

“Now we are truly a family.” She replied.

A short time later the grandparents were brought in for a brief visit.

After the others had gone, he just sat next to Mercy’s bed, she stayed awake as long as she could, but fatigue overcame her and she quickly fell asleep. Mr. Ages cradled his son in his arms, gently rocking him back and forth. He would glance at Mercy and then back to his son. He gazed at his son, sleeping peacefully in his arms and Mr. Ages felt tears begin running down his cheeks. Your a father now. How many babies have you held in your hands? Now this one is ours. We’ll get to be with him, see him take his first steps and say his first words. We’ll get to see him grow. He thought as he looked at his son.

“What will you look like when you grow up? What will you be? Will you be athletic, studious or both? Will you be well behaved or will you be a rebel? Who will you marry? Wouldn’t it be funny if you married little Violet Brisby? However you turn out, never doubt that your mother and I will always love you and will always be proud of you.” He said quietly to his son. For the next two nights Mr. Ages slept in a bed in the infirmary to be close to Mercy.

In two days time Dr. Laura decided Mercy had recovered enough for her and the baby to go home. After they had the baby moved in, Jonathan and Rose stopped by for a while to help them get prepared for a home with child.

Later that evening, as they were preparing for bed, Mercy and Mr. Ages stood beside baby Kyle’s crib and just gazed adoringly at him.

“A family of our own.” Mercy said.

“With you and him, Mercy, there is honestly nothing else on earth I could ever ask for.” He said and took her hand.

“I am content as well. I have all that I could want.” She replied and climbed into bed. When Mr. Ages joined her she immediately snuggled up to him and wrapped her arms around him. He turned off the lamp and put his arms gently around her. She was already sleeping soundly. He just lay there, listening to her gentle breathing.

“I love you, Mercy.” He whispered faintly in her ear.

Ages, you old fool, why did you wait so long? He wondered as he drifted off to sleep.