Ralph S. Mouse

Ralph is relieved when all the students return Monday morning. He hides in the mitten while Ryan and his classmates file back into Room 5, tracking in melty snow from outside. Ralph hopes that Ryan repaired his motorcycle over the weekend. Several students bring copies of the Cucaracha Voice, which has published the story about their exhibit. Brad returns wearing a sling and the students wonder if his arm got hurt during his fight with Ryan. Ryan reminds Brad that he still owes him for breaking the motorcycle, but Brad thinks the idea of a mouse riding a motorcycle is ridiculous. Ralph spots the newspaper article and sees a photo of himself in the fishbowl. He thinks it’s a good photo and wonders if Matt has seen it yet.

When Miss K arrives, the students all begin to speak at once, anxious to hear their teacher’s thoughts on the article, which they feel portrays their class exhibit and their school in an unfair light. Miss K calms the class and asks Brad to share what happened to his arm. He explains that he injured himself at motocross practice. Ralph’s ears perk up; he thinks that maybe he and Brad could be friends since they both share a love of motorcycles.