After many days of summer, the riverbank was busy.
Rat watched the birds packing their nests.
"Why do they have to fly south?" thought Rat.
"The riverbank is perfectly fine."
"Hey, Ratty!" called some mice.
"Come and help."
They walked by carrying baskets and boxes.
"What are you up to?" asked Rat.
"Moving! To our winter home," said one mouse.
"But it's a beautiful day," said Rat.
"Winter is far away."
"Oh, we know that," said another mouse.
"But we like to be ready!"
"Let's go for a row," said Rat.
"We can have a picnic!"
"Not today, Rat!" said the first mouse.
"Ask another day, when no one is busy."
Rat frowned. "Fine! Do what you want!"
He turned and tripped over a box.
"Ow!" cried Rat, rubbing his back.
"Be more careful," said a bluebird.
"Be quiet," said Rat.
"I don't need any advice."
Birds flew around Rat's head.
"What's the hurry?" Rat yelled at them.
"We're not going yet," said a robin.
"But we will!"
"Why don't you stay this year?" asked Rat.
"You always like it here."
"We have to go," said the bluebird.
"The south calls us!"
Before long, the mice and the birds were off.
Rat heard footsteps and turned around.
A visitor stood in the road.
It was a dusty rat in a sailor's cap.