There was a bat named Mortimer. He lived in a deep dark cave called the Green Grotto located on the way to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This was a special cave because you could see the formation of the stalactytes and stalacmytes on the hollow areas of the cave. Mortimer had been brought there many years ago from Australia by some Jamaican scientists. The scientists passed away, so Mortimer had to learn to take care of himself. He was very lonely. Mortimer would seek shelter in the nooks and crannies of the cave during the day. That was when his biological clock would tell him to sleep. At night he would fly around the sky looking for food. He would feast on the fruit of the mango trees located directly outside the cave. He would then navigate his way around the cave from the various echoes that surrounded him. This is how he would find his friends, especially Ms. Nellie the hen, and Pansy the cat. They were the best of friends. Although Ms. Nellie was very clever, she did not know how lonely Mortimer had become since he lost his caretakers. Even though Mortimer could not see, his hearing was excellent. He would look out for Ms. Nellie and the rest of his friends outside the cave.
One fair day, Mortimer's life completely changed. A young and very beautiful girl came snooping into his cave. Apparently she was travelling with a group of classmates visiting from Kingston. She thought she would pick some ferns growing outside the cave to take home to her Granny. She had learned in her Phytology class that ferns grew in dark, humid places. The cave seemed like the perfect place to conduct her search. So, Astrid went deeper in the cave in search of beautiful, lush ferns, not paying any attention to where she was going and before she knew it, she was lost.
She was sitting on a rock bawling, when Mortimer flew over and asked her what was wrong. Astrid told him she was tired, lost and hungry, and needed to find her classmates before they left without her. Her teacher Ms. Runcie, would scold her if she were away too long. Ms. Runcie was not Astrid's favorite teacher because she always challenged her. She always made negative comments about Astrid's skylarking in and out of the classroom. This would only be another reason for Astrid to hear a long speech, or perhaps receive a demerit or two. Mortimer understood that Astrid was in a terrible plight.
He had a good sense of direction, so he offered to help. He perched himself on her shoulder and directed her towards the light at the beginning of the cave. At first, Astrid shrieked with fear because she had never had a bat on her shoulder before. But the more time they spent together, the more they realized how they both brought comfort to each other. Soon they were on their way to becoming fast friends. Finally, they saw the exit to daylight, by this time Astrid had collected all the ferns she needed along the way.
Mortimer became afraid since he had not experienced daylight before, and he knew he would be alone again. He knew that Astrid would leave with her class, but when it came time for them to part, it was Astrid who begged Mortimer to come home with her. Astrid thought it would be a great idea to have Mortimer participate in her classroom's "Bring Your Pet To School Day." Ms. Runcie would think that she was so smart for finding this unusual mammal as a pet. Mortimer was afraid to give Astrid an answer. He had never left the Grotto before, and though he was lonely, he wast not familiar with other human beings. Especially since the only human beings he had known were his scientist friends. He also did not know if he could trust her. All kinds of crazy thoughts raced through his mind: "Why does she want to put me on display? Will she give me to the zoo at Hope Gardens?" He was really confused. Then his inner voice said, "Take a chance." He decided to travel with Astrid back to Kingston. Astrid was elated. Astrid Higgenbothom finally found her own pet! Mortimer bid farewell to Ms. Nellie and all his other friends. Ms. Nellie told Mortimer that he would always have a friend in her, and that she would crow every morning, so that Mortimer would know that she was near. Astrid put Mortimer in her backpack, leaving it half- opened, so he could breathe, but also shielding him from the hot Jamaican sun. When they got home to Kingston, Astrid's grandmother was so happy to receive her exotic ferns and realized how thoughtful Astrid had been to obtain the plants.
Mortimer also decided it was time that he told Astrid a few important facts about himself. "I sleep days, I don't really see much, and I roam nights and I like to eat rats. Do you think you can handle that?" Astrid, always a brave young girl was willing to accept the task of caring for Mortimer. Mortimer then said, "I know it won't be easy, but if you take good care of me, I will always watch over you."
Mortimer settled into his new life with Astrid. At first, the noise from the mini-buses and higglers on the street frightened him. Fortunately, he enjoyed flying all over Astrid's house when her Granny and parents were not home, so there was really no need for him to venture outside on a regular basis. He loved Astrid's room because it was dark, clean and cozy. She was thankful that her family had accepted Mortimer after a long period of reluctance.
Mortimer had become Astrid's constant companion. Her family was not thrilled about the idea at first, however they gradually grew fond of Mortimer when they realized that Astrid had become quite attached to him. They did not have the heart to refuse her the opportunity to learn about responsibility and caring.
Astrid took Mortimer to school for "Pet Day" and they were a big success! She became the most popular girl in school, thanks to Mortimer. Ms. Runcie praised and congratulated her for being so creative and original regarding a choice of a pet.
As time went by, Astrid and Mortimer learned to honor their committment to take care of each other. When Astrid played in the front yard, Mortimer would get up early and watch her from the window or from underneath the cellar to make sure she was alright.
When Astrid and her family went to bed at night Mortimer would fly around the house to make sure everyone was safe. Essie, Astrid's mother, found new sources of food for Mortimer, such as naseberries and callaloo. She also created a new habitat in the cellar of the house for him to live. The cellar was ideal, because it was dark, spacious and it reminded Mortimer of the Grotto. He was delighted.
Mortimer loved his new home and family. They all realized how fortunate they were to have each other. Astrid's granny and her parents were grateful to him, because his companionship made Astrid more confident and creative. Astrid was thankful to Mortimer because she always had someone to listen to her and a great companion.
They all lived "battily" ever after in Astrid's home in Kingston 8, Jamaica.
THE END
