Gus was a Friendly Ghost by Jane Thayer

In a charming old country house, the Scott family spent their summers, unaware of their ghostly housemate, Gus, who resided in the attic. Gus, fond of the Scotts, entertained himself by making ghostly noises while staying unseen. The Scotts, not believing in ghosts but amused by the eerie sounds, would jokingly say, "There's our resident ghost again!"

When autumn arrived, the Scotts left, leaving Gus feeling lonely. On a walk, he met a shivering mouse and invited him to stay for the winter. Gus became a gourmet chef for the mouse, preparing elaborate cheese platters while the mouse gave him companionship.

Summer brought the Scotts back, much to the mouse's displeasure because he hates humans. Determined to get rid of them, the mouse caused mischief, scurrying through walls, nibbling food, and even chewing a pillow!

Mr. Scott set traps, which Gus cleverly marked with warning signs to protect his little friend. Still, the mischievous mouse continued his antics, even going so far as to reveal himself to Mrs. Scott, giving her a fright. This was the last straw for Gus. He decided enough was enough.

Gus confronted the mouse, laying down some ground rules: no more scaring the Scotts, no more nibbling on their food or belongings, and no more making a ruckus. The mouse, realizing he had crossed a line, agreed to follow Gus's rules.

With the mouse behaving himself, the Scotts assumed he had left, and they removed the traps. Peace returned to the house, and Gus and the mouse looked forward to autumn when they could have the house to themselves again.

Real Talk Section

1. Don't be a freeloader

Don't be like that mouse, expecting others to cater to your every whim. Show some hustle and independence, not just a hand out for handouts.

2. Stand up to unreasonable behavior

Grow a backbone and stand up to people who act out of line. Gus didn't let that mouse run wild. He laid down the rules and kept that rodent in check.

3. Talk it out and compromise

Gus didn't let things get out of hand. He had a real heart-to-heart with that mouse. Communication and compromise are key to resolving conflicts.

4. Consider the impact of your actions and don't be an ingrate

That mouse's shenanigans caused a ruckus for the Scotts, the rightful house owners. Show gratitude, not an attitude. Think about how your actions affect others before you act impulsively. The audacity of the mouse to try and scare the Scotts away from their own house.