The younger mice in the household are starting to think about whether to leave the nest.
Furious debates have ensued. Mrs Mouse is keen to let them live at home for as long as possible, but Granny Mouse’s advice – unsolicited – is different. She thinks they should stand on their two feet.
‘I couldn’t live with my parents – just couldn’t,’ she says. ‘I moved out as quickly as I could.’
I have some sympathy with this view. Yes, the young should be independent.