The embracing rays of the rising sun gently caressed the sleepy Parisian passers-by, who were longing for a cup of coffee. From one of the cafés came the sound of a pleasant French tune, and the soft melody almost caused the weary locals to hum along as they made their way to work. A breeze was not long in coming either, picking up the scent of the morning's buttered croissants and steaming coffee, and it danced with the music that flowed from the café. The glass of the shop window glinted in the morning sun, proudly displaying a wide selection of delicious pastries. Simon Mouse sipped his coffee on the café's terrace.

"Hot coffee and croissants! I couldn't live without you, my darlings!" he said to his breakfast enchantedly, as if they understood what he was saying.

"These French are crazy! I always knew it," muttered an elderly mouse at the next table. "Talking to a croissant indeed?" he continued, squeaking in annoyance, and then stroked his carrier pigeon that he kept on a leash. 

The old mouse then flicked through the latest news in the local paper and discussed it with his mute, blinking little winged pet, as if talking to pigeons was a perfectly normal activity.

Simon Mouse glanced at his watch.

"Peter's train is due to arrive at any moment. He is going to have the adventure of his life!" he chuckled, but he had no idea that his prediction would actually come true, although not in the way he expected.