"Why do humans dislike us so much? We aren't that bad," Thistle, a mouse living in Tindal village, said to the other mice at night when they were searching for crumbs to eat, as they were not allowed to be seen around during the day.
"There is nothing we can do about it. We have to keep living this way until a savior comes," another mouse replied to Thistle.
"I don't want to live in hiding; I want to be seen, heard, and respected as humans," Thistle said and left the other mice scavenging for cheese and crumbs.
As he was walking quietly home, passing outside the mayor's room, he overheard his conversation with his wife about the upcoming Tindal's Got Talent. A talent show is held every year in Tindal to appreciate talented individuals in the village.
"This is a great opportunity for me to showcase my talent. I have to prepare myself to win the heart of the mayor and every other person in Tindal village," Thistle said and hurried to his hole.
He needed a costume for himself, which he knew no human would help with because how much thdidn'tn't want mice in any of their shows. He gathered some pieces of clothes he had picked up earlier with some used gloves and created a hat with a cape for himself. Thistle is a lover of books; he loves reading novels, especially the ones authored by Shakespeare. This always made him crawl to the village library at night to read. To practice for the talent show, his favorite judge is the owl who lives on the tree outside the village baker's shop.
Since Thistle heard about the talent show, he had been excited, going every night to the owl to practice his monologues. Although he's not so good at it, as he still misses a few lines, it's better than none.
"Thistle, are you sure you would be allowed to perform?" the owl asked him one night after rehearsing.
"I don't know, buddy, but I have to try. I will give it my best and make sure I get recognized. I don't want to crawl into my hole every night like a coward. I want to be able to walk around just as every other person," Thistle replied.
"You're right; I wish you all the best, my friend. Night calls," the owl said as he turned to sleep.
"Thanks, buddy; see you tomorrow," Thistle said as he ran to his hole.
The next day, Thistle told the other mice of his interest in joining the talent show. Some made fun of him and discouraged him, saying he would be disgraced by humans, while some encouraged him to give it a trial.
"I will give it whatever it takes, and I will win the human's hearts over," Thistle said and left the other mice to practice as the day for the event was near.
Finally, it was the day for the talent show; everyone gathered at the village square for the grand occasion. After the welcome address by the mayor, each of the contestants was called out to showcase their talents. All this while, Thistle was backstage preparing himself. Many made fun of him, but he didn't give up. After all the contestants had performed and the master of ceremonies was about to come up on stage to appreciate everyone who came and give a closing speech, Thistle's voice came from behind.
"Oh people of Tindal, lend me your ears; my name is Thistle, and I am a mouse," Thistle said and then began his monologues. He also sang some melodious songs with funny dancing steps, which made the people smile. He performed for three minutes, and after his performance, he bowed. He was expecting at least a clap but got nothing, but just as he was about to turn his back to leave, a voice came from the audience.
"Give it up for Thistle," the voice said loudly with a clap then someone also clapped, and just like that, the whole audience clapped, and it was roaring in Thistle's ears.
This is the moment he had waited all his life for, and he achieved it in the end.
"We love you, Thistle," a little girl from the audience said.
That sent a cold chill down Thistle's spine. "Love, really? Me?" Thistle asked, surprised.
"Thank you, I love you too," Thistle said with a bow. From that day onwards, everyone has always wanted Thistle to perform at any of their parties. He became the life of every party.
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