Grayson stepped forward and cleared his throat. Nilla handed him a small package. Grayson spoke with great dignity: “Cheddar Plainmouse, my grandfather wanted me to give you this tie as a symbol of your new status. From this day forward, you will be known as the Postmouseter, in honor of being the founder and first leader of the Critter Post.”
Nilla opened the box and took out a piece of paw print–patterned ribbon knotted into a necktie. I bowed so she could slip it over my ears and then tighten it around my neck.
I looked down at the tie and thought of all it meant. Once again my eyes filled with tears. This time even my nose started running. I wiped it on a piece of dollhouse curtain.
Meanwhile, Grayson said, “Well, Mr. Postmouseter, how about a speech?”
I managed to stammer, “Thank you, thank you all very much. This is…better than cheese!”