There was no time for Philip to reply. A series of footsteps had become audible from outside the reading room and just as the boy opened his mouth the large door was being pushed inwards.
It revealed a thoroughly exhausted Cynthia.
Some of the children gasped but all were too surprised to say anything.
Mrs. Brisby was the first to rise and rush to her daughter's side. The light-furred mouse was completely out of breath and fought to hold herself up by the doorframe while her mother gently supported her. Nonetheless, Cynthia was trying to get words in between her hastily drawn breaths.
'Mom... crows... back... Teresa... '
'Honey, catch your breath! Just calm down! You're ready to fall over.'
The younger mouse nodded and took a few deep breaths before continuing.
All around the rat children had gotten up and were now gazing at the two mice in confusion. They sensed that something was wrong but couldn't think of what it could be.
Finally, Cynthia had recovered enough from her run up the numberless stairs and looked straight at her mother. Mrs. Brisby decided it would be better to leave a paw on her daughter's shoulder. She often tended to overestimate her own strength, but then so had she in her younger days.
'Mom, the crows are back. Brutus and I were just on our way back and we saw them crossing the ridge.'
Mrs. Brisby put her free paw to her chin and cast a worried glance to the floor. Biting her lip for a moment the older mouse needed time to decide what was to be done. Finally, she nodded, let go of her daughter's shoulder and waved her glasses at the children.
'We have to finish early, children. Rachel, can you make sure the book goes back to the library?'
She looked over to the young rats that had teased Philip only minutes before.
'And I want you two boys to help her with it.'
The blond-furred girl that had been seated next to rather obnoxious youth earlier nodded, as did the rest of the children. Even the rude boy showed his agreement. All the discontent had vanished from his face. In the end, the children cared deeply for their teacher and the mouse's obvious distress troubled them.
'We'll pick up tomorrow at the same time. I have to go.'
'Goodbye Mrs. Brisby,' the young rats chorused, as they always did at the end of class. The mouse had never insisted on it but the children just loved to show their affection this way.
Smiling briefly she stepped out of the room followed by Cynthia.
