The Ninety-Seventh Birthday

Minnie Mouse enjoyed sharing 'Remember When's'

Contest Prompt

"The Writer's Cramp" Write a story or poem about how Minnie celebrates her big day.'

She was 97 years old in human years, in cartoon years she looked the same as her first appearance with Mickey on the big screen. Disney had lost rights to his reigning cartoon star, Oswald The Lucky Rabbit, and had groomed her and Mickey as new replacements.

“Congratulations on your birthday, Minnie. Thank you for allowing me to interview you.”

“Thank you for wanting to share in our celebration.”

Minnie’s voice didn’t squeak. It sounded more high pitched and humanely cute. I suddenly felt more comfortable in the star’s presence.

“You met Mickey on a steamboat ride?” I asked. I knew the answer but wanted to get her personal view.

“As I recall, it wasn’t all that romantic. You had to have a slap stick sense of humor to have enjoyed the company we kept.” Minnie gave me a cheesy smile.

Mickey came in, spry as ever, every ounce the star. “Minnie, remember your scheduled to appear in The Mickey Mouse Funhouse, tomorrow., Let me know if you want help rehearsing your lines.,”

“I’m afraid the work never stops. The funhouse is for the younger tots. We’re also premiering the ‘Clubhouse’ this year featuring more fun and educational fare.”

I jotted down notes. “Don’t you ever get tired of being expected to do the same old thing?”

“Oh, we change with the times. We started with slapstick and mischief. In the movie industry’s golden years we softened into hero and sweetheart, more situation comedy. Lately we’re returned to our roots. It’s what our audience wants.”

“Do you miss not having children?” I asked, having warmed up to more personal enquiries.

“There really hasn’t been time. We keep so busy. We do have our extended families with our nieces and nephews. We’re all show business don’t you know.”

“What about competition?”

“There is always that. Early on, Felix the Cat, Betty Boop, and Bugs Bunny took the stage. Disney created our own competition with Goofy and Donald Duck. Mickey and I remain Brand Icons, I’m proud to say.”

“Have you had any other romantic interests than with Mickey?” Now I was really diving deep. Minnie blushed but answered.

“Oh, that rich, urbane Mortimer Mouse has tried stealing my heart away. He makes Mickey so jealous. I do enjoy the flattery, but my heart belongs to Mickey. He is one of a kind.”

Minnie signaled the interview was over. I was invited to attend the party. It was decorated in the 1920’s flapper style Minnie had originally dressed in, a short flapper skirt with her signature polka dot pattern.

I toasted her entrance with Mickey at her side. Applause greeted the couple. Mickey’s twin nephews, Morty and Ferdie Fieldmouse, clinked wine glasses with Minnie’s twin nieces, Millie and Melody Mouse. Whispers of chuckles met the ‘Remember When’s’. The Mickey Mouse club reincarnations from the 1950’s to the 2000’s featured among them.

“Bon voyage,” we all called out, as the couple climbed aboard the familiar looking Steamboat Willie for a long promised second honeymoon. It looked as well taken care of as in its first appearance on November 18, 1928.

I watched as Minnie got swept off her feet by Mickey. He stumbled and they both fell overboard into a big splash. I couldn't help chuckling. The honeymoon had the makings of a Hallmark cartoon affair.
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