Mom,There is a Hole Under My Bed

8/6/2019 Mom,There is a Hole Under My Bed

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Mom, There s A Hole Under My Bed!

Subtitle :Charlie s Adventure in Pigland

by Mary Wroten


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Chapter One

It was a hot, sunny summer day in Hoopville, USA.

Down at the Simms house, everybody was sleeping everybody, that is, except for Mrs.

Simms, who was busy preparing for the big trip. Charlie, her son, had been asking all

summer to go to Hoopville Amusement Park. He couldn t wait to experience the water

rides, bumpers cars, horseback riding, and a host of other different activities the park

offered.

Mrs. Simms ran upstairs to Charlie s room to wake him up. Charlie! Charlie! she said

with excitement in her voice. Wake up! Today is the big day. Charlie made no sound.

He was dreaming about all the stuff he could do at the park. Mrs. Simms bent down next

to Charlie and shook him gently. Come on, Charlie. Wake up! Today is our trip to

Hoopville Amusement Park, she urged.

Suddenly Charlie opened his eyes with excitement. Oh yes, Mom, he said. A big grin

spread across his face. Today is the big day.

Well, hurry up and get dressed! his mother said, tugging on his blankets.

Okay, Mom, Charlie obeyed. He jumped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom to

brush his teeth. Oh! I must ask if I can wear my new shoes today, he thought. After


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brushing his teeth, he ran downstairs to the kitchen where his mother was preparing

breakfast.Sure smells good in here, Mom, Charlie said, licking his lips.

Hurry, Charlie, so you can eat, his mother replied, setting a plate for him on the table.

We have a long way to travel today.

Mom, may I wear my new shoes? Charlie anxiously blurted out between bites.

Yes, Charlie, you can, his mother said.

After he finished his breakfast, he left the kitchen and hurried up the stairs to his room.

He walked over to his closet to grab them. Strangely, they weren t there. He looked

underneath the bed . . . on the floor . . . but still he couldn t find his new shoes.

Confused, Charlie yelled downstairs to his mother. Mom, where are my new shoes?

I don t know, Charlie. Where did you put them last? she answered.

I thought I put them in the closet . . . he hesitated, shaking his head.

Well, if you cleaned your room like I told you, you would be able to find your shoes,

his mother said with a sigh.


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I ll clean it up when we come back, promise! Charlie replied. But can you please help

me search for them?

Look underneath your bed again, Charlie, his mother said.

But Mom, I did, Charlie whined.

Look again, Charlie. I m sure that if you move all the junk from underneath your bed,

you ll find your new shoes, his mother said with a strict tone. He realized that was theonly help she was going to offer.

Huffing and puffing, Charlie crawled under his bed. This time he noticed something was

different under there: a large gaping hole in the floor. It was big enough that he could fit

in it!

Where did this hole come from? Charlie wondered. I don t remember it being here

before. He moved closer to the hole, thinking that his new shoes could have fallen in it.

Carefully, he reached his hand down in the hole. Suddenly, he felt something pulling his

arm. Afraid, he yanked his arm out of the hole and scrambled to his feet.

What was that!? he cried. He continued to stare at the very large hole under his bed,

trying to figure out what it was. Finally, he called out for his mother. Mom, there s a

very large hole under my bed and it wasn t there before!


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Charlie, stop it now! his mother demanded. It s probably all that junk laying on your

floor that scared you. See? If you would have cleaned your room like I told you, you

would not be going through all the fuss now.

Charlie rolled his eyes and sighed. You re right, Mom; maybe I was imaging the big

hole underneath my bed. I should have listened to you when you told me to clean my

room. But he decided to take another look anyway, just to be sure.

What Charlie did not know was that the large hole was actually the entrance to the world

of Pigland, which was ruled by the powerful King Dirten. Pigland was a world that loved

and lived off of garbage. The whole planet was filled with a terrible smell one so bad

that it could make your stomach turn.

Charlie knelt down and moved all his toys and clothes out from under his bed to take a

closer look. To his surprise, the hole was still there. Oh my gosh! It s still here, he

thought. Reluctantly, he put his hand into the hole, half expecting someone or something

to tug on his arm again.

Suddenly, the wind from the hole started to pick up. It became so strong that it began to

suck his entire body in toward the opening. What is happening!? Charlie cried. Mom,

help me! I m falling in the hole!


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His mother couldn t hear his screams because she was outside loading stuff into the car

for their trip. Charlie called out again and again but it was no use. Mom, help me! He

disappeared completely into the hole.

It was dark and everything was happening so fast. Was he sliding down a tunnel? He

thought someone was touching him but he wasn t sure. What was that!? he cried.

Come out wherever you are! Although he wasn t too sure he really wanted whatever it

was to do just that. There was a long, silent pause. Charlie realized that his imagination

was playing tricks on him.

Down and down he went, shifting from one side to another. It seemed like he would

never stop falling. Finally, there was a faint light as he reached the end of the tunnel. He

was spit him out, flew a small distance, and landed awkwardly on his feet. He quickly

turned around to try and go back in the tunnel, but it disappeared almost as fast as he did

from his bedroom.

Where did it go? he cried. How am I supposed to get home? He slowly turned around

and gazed at the colorful neon sign flashing at him: W ELCOME TO PIGLAND .

What is Pigland? Charlie wondered. The city was quiet; nothing made a sound.

Charlie started walking slowly down a street called Sloppy Avenue. He thought he saw

something move from behind a pile of garbage. Hey, what was that? he asked out loud.


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It was nothing just my imagination playing tricks on me again, he tried to reassure

himself when everything was still again.

He continued on Sloppy Avenue, walking toward a store that appeared to be open. Out of

the corner of his eye, he saw something move. Alright! It s not my imagination; I knew I

saw something or someone move before! Charlie cried. He took off in a hurry, running

as fast as he could down the block.

Greenben was short with his eyes on his belly and his nose on the top of his head. He hadclown lips, big ears, and he was green and red. His feet had fifteen toes each. Greenben

came out of hiding. Wait a minute! he yelled at Charlie. Stop running! I m not going

to hurt you.

Charlie ran faster, huffing and puffing, without looking back. Greenben yelled again to

Charlie. Yeah right! thought Charlie. No way am I stopping!

Alright then, when you are caught by King Dirten s soldiers, don t say I didn t try to

help you! Greenben warned.

Charlie stopped in his tracks. He turned slowly to look at Greenben walking toward him.

My, what a funny looking creature . . . he thought


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Greenben moved closer and closer to Charlie, who began backing up with caution. Stay

away from me! Charlie screamed. What are you!?

I am a Dopa, said Greenben.

A what ? Charlie asked incredulously.

A Dopa, Greenben repeated.

What s a Dopa? asked Charlie.

A Dopa is a small, round creature that comes from Dopaville, two planets away. We

came to this planet by accident when our ship crashed into a meteor and we landed

here back when it was clean, Greenben explained. King Dirten welcomed us and

we ve been here ever since. But to be honest, I wish I was home on Dopaville.

I wish I was home, too, said Charlie. I miss my family real bad.

What is your name? asked Greenben.

My name is Charlie, Charlie replied. I m ten years old.

Nice to meet you, Charlie, Greenben smiled.


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Yeah, said Charlie, unsure if he could trust the monster just yet. Greenben, how did

this place get so . . . dirty?

It all started when King Dirten dropped a piece a paper on the ground. No one dared

picked it up since they didn t put it there; so the paper remained on the ground for years,

Greenben explained. Slowly, the city started getting dirtier. Everyone would litter and

leave it there. That is what you see today.

I see, Charlie said, frowning.

Now King Dirten made it a rule to keep this once beautiful city dirty, Greenben sighed.

Yeah, that sounds like my room! Charlie half joked.

It sounds like what? asked Greenben.

Never mind, Charlie answered. Tell me, Greenben, what is King Dirten like?

Hmmm, he s like . . . let me see if I can describe him . . . nope, Greenben said.

Come on, Greenben. Stop playing with me! said Charlie.


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Fine, Greenben laughed. King Dirten is tall like a giraffe. And he has hair that grows

out of his ears.

That s nasty! cried Charlie.

Let me finish! As I was saying, his nose is huge I mean really huge, Greenben said,

recalling the king. His head is like a ball with two big eyes. Oh, and he s brown, yellow,

and green. A terrible sight to see . . .

He could be no worse than what you look like, said Charlie.

Gee, thanks, Charlie, Greenben muttered.

So, why were you following me? Charlie asked.

King Dirten doesn t like strangers coming here, Greenben said, turning serious. I saw

you and wanted to tell you to hide. But you frighten me, so I was hesitant.

Frighten you? You scared me! Charlie replied.

Shhh! Be quiet! I hear something, Greenben cried, hushing Charlie and looking around.

Oh, no! It s King Dirten s soldiers; they must have smelled your scent. Quick, hide in


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that pile of garbage over there! He pointed to a pile of trash across the street from where

they were standing. Charlie darted off to the trash.

King Dirten s soldiers saw Greenben. Hey, you there! Stop! Grimy, the leader of the

soldiers, ordered.

Who, me? Greenben stuttered.

Yes, you, said Grimy. Who were you talking to?

No one, my lord. I m just taking a stroll down Sloppy Avenue to my home in Dirtville,

said Greenben.

Well, I thought I smelled something strange . . . Grimy said, sniffing the air. The other

soldiers nodded in agreement.

No, sir, no one is here but me. I was just talking to myself, Greenben said nervously,

glancing over at Charlie, who was peeking out behind the garbage heap.

Well, if you see a stranger, sound the alarm. You know how King Dirten feels about

strangers, Grimy said.


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Alright, sir, Greenben nodded. The soldiers continued down the road and Greenben

waved goodbye. He waited until the soldiers turned the corner onto Stinky Street before

calling out to Charlie. You can come out now, Charlie, he said. They are gone now.

Charlie crossed the street to where Greenben stood. Were they really King Dirten s

men? Charlie asked. His eyes were wide.

Yes, they patrol Pigland every night. You better come with me, Charlie. It s not safe for

you to be out here alone, Greenben said. Come with me to Dirtville.

Charlie thought a minute but realized he didn t have much else of a choice. Okay, he

said slowly.

So Charlie and his new friend, Greenben, headed toward Dirtville. After a few moments

of silence, Greenben started asking questions. Tell me, Charlie, how did you get here?

he asked.

I was looking for my new shoes under my bed and I noticed a big hole in the floor. I

thought my shoes fell in it, so I reached my hand down to see of my shoes were there,

Charlie explained. Suddenly, I was being pulled into the hole. I went through a long,

dark tunnel until I was let out here . . . in Pigland. All I want to do right now is go home

though. He felt tears welling in his eyes.


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Charlie, where is the tunnel? How will you get home? Greenben gasped.

I don t know, Charlie whispered. The tunnel disappeared into thin air and I can t find

it. I thought that perhaps you d be able to help me but it seems like I m lost in this world

forever. He stopped a moment to think about everything and then headed in a

completely different direction.

Hey, Charlie! Where are you going? asked Greenben. Charlie ignored him. Wait up!

What for? Charlie wailed. I have nowhere else to go! He kept walking on his own.

Charlie, stop walking! Greenben shouted. I might be able to help you.

Charlie stopped and turned around. Really? he asked, hopefully.

Yeah! said Greenben. I know Mr. Cleanit. He lives across town in Cleanville. He can

probably help you get home.

Well, let s go see Mr. Cleanit then! Charlie exclaimed.

Hold up, Charlie. It s a long way to Mr. Cleanit s house. He lives on the other side of

Pigland, Greenben said. No one ever goes there except if you plan to live there.


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Oh, no, Charlie cried. What am I going to do? I don t want to live there; I just want to

go home!

I ll take you to see Mr. Cleanit, but it s going to be a long trip, Greenben sighed. We

can get started tomorrow, but for now let s walk to my house. Charlie agreed and they

continued walking toward Dirtville.

They arrived outside of Greenben s house. It was red, yellow and green with a blue

door knob. The fence and grass was blue like the door knob, and the flowers were madeout of pink and white cardboard box. In the middle of the yard was a pile of garbage as

high as the house.

What is that smell? asked Charlie, gagging and holding his nose.

What smell? replied Greenben, unfazed. I don t smell anything.

You can t smell that ? Charlie cried.

It always smells like this. What are you talking about? Greenben shrugged. The only

thing I smell is the sweet smell of garbage.

You re out of your mind. The air smells like rotten eggs! Charlie groaned.


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Charlie, that s all in your mind. Stay here a little longer and you ll begin to like the

smell, too.

I don t want to be here that long to find out, said Charlie. I just want to see Mr.

Cleanit so he can help me get home.

Greenben grinned. Whatever you say, Charlie, he said.

They walked up to Greenben s door. Open the door, Greenben. I m tired of walking somuch, Charlie moaned.

Hold your horses. Let me get the keys out of my pocket, Greenben replied, fumbling

for his keys.

Hurry! I have to Charlie winced.

Greenben stopped looking for his keys and looked at Charlie. Have to what? he asked

curiously.

. . . Go to the bathroom! Charlie cried.


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Okay, okay! Greenben said, quickly turning the key into the doorknob. The door s

open. The bathroom is in the back to your left. Charlie awkwardly pushed passed him

and headed to the back of the house.

Oh, my gosh! Look at this mess! he said with disgust. Everywhere I go is covered in

filth. I want to go home! He found the bathroom, slammed the door, and started

sniffling.

Charlie, are you crying in there? asked Greenben outside of the door.

Crying? No . . . I m wiping my nose, said Charlie. Big boys don t cry, Greenben.

Even if they miss their Mommy? Greenben prodded.

Yes, I m alright, said Charlie. He took a deep breath, pulled himself together, and

walked out of the bathroom to go find Charlie amongst all of his clutter.

He found Greenben in the kitchen cooking. It looked like he was using dirty pots and

pans. Seriously, Greenben, why don t you clean up this mess? It s worst than my

bedroom and my room is bad, said Charlie.

What did you say? I didn t hear you, Greenben said. Charlie knew he really did.


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Never mind, I ll just find somewhere to sit after I move the trash out of the chair. I m

surprised there are no bugs crawling in here, Charlie said, rolling his eyes.

Oh, bugs? I eat them, said Greenben. That s why you don t see any.

That is so gross! complained Charlie. I am definitely not eating anything in this

house. He wondered if Greenben was cooking with bugs now.

Then what are you going to eat? You know that you re going to get hungry. You can tlive off of air, you know, Greenben said, throwing his hands up.

Yeah, but this place is so dirty; I ll be afraid to put a fork into my mouth, Charlie

admitted.

Alright, Charlie, have it your way. Be hungry, said Greenben. I don t care.

I ll survive, said Charlie. He wished he could believe his own words.

Yeah, right! Greenben scoffed.

After Greenben finish eating while Charlie watched him, they went to bed. Charlie slept

in the chair while Greenben slept in his room. Charlie tossed and turned through the

night. I miss my mom! I wish that I had put my shoes away. Had I just done what she


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asked, I wouldn t be in this dreadful place, Charlie thought. I hate this place! He began to

whimper.

Eventually, he cried himself asleep in the chair. Minutes later, however, Greenben shook

him. Wake up, Charlie! Greenben whispered.

Leave me alone, Charlie mumbled. I m tired; I didn t sleep all night.

Scared, huh? asked Greenben.

No! Just leave me alone! Charlie muttered.

Greenben walked away and headed into the kitchen. Five minutes later, he went over to

Charlie and started to shake him again. Get up, Charlie! he said.

Charlie pushed his hands off him. I said leave me alone, Greenben. I am tired! he cried.

Charlie, the sun is coming up. We have to start on our long journey to see Mr. Cleanit.

Do you want to go home? Greenben asked. Perhaps you like it here now? Let me leave

you alone then . . .

Charlie suddenly jumped out of his chair. No way am I staying in this place another

night! he cried.


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Greenben laughed. I thought that would move you, he said. Calm down. I was just

trying to wake you up so we could get started on the journey to see Mr. Cleanit.

Thanks, Greenben. You re right. We must get started right away, Charlie said with

wide eyes.

Are you hungry? asked Greenben.

Yeah, I m hungry, but what strange thing would you feed me? Charlie said cautiously.

Greenben rolled his eyes. Here, Charlie. Try some bread with raspberry jam. He

quickly prepared the small breakfast for his guest and placed it in front of Charlie.

Hmmm, this is good, Greenben. May I have some more? asked Charlie.

Sure! answered Greenben. Have as much as you d like.

After breakfast, they didn t waste any time heading out the door. Greenben made sure to

lock it, and just as they were about to start on their journey, Greenben s neighbor, Mr.

Lazit, walked over to say good morning.

Oh, great, Greenben groaned. Leave the talking to me, Charlie.


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Chapter Two

Good morning, Greenben! said Mr. Lazit. Mr. Lazit, a tall purple creature with a nose

like an elephant and fuzzy purple and green tail. He was a nosey neighbor and Greenben

didn t like that , but they were friends.

How do you do? asked Greenben politely. Charlie took a step behind him for

protection in case he needed it.

I see you had a visitor last night, said Mr. Lazit, looking Charlie up and down slowly.

What? You were spying on me or something? asked Greenben. Charlie kept quiet.

Now Greenben, you know how I am, Mr. Lazit chuckled. I don t miss a thing.

No, you re just nosy and don t mind your own business, Greenben snapped.

Now, now, Greenben. Do I sense a little attitude? Mr. Lazit grinned. Just because I

saw a strange creature with you last night doesn t mean you should be upset with me.

Who are you calling strange? Charlie blurted out. You re not a pretty sight to see,

with your blue hair, big teeth, elephant nose, and yellow skin. You look like a broom

stick.


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Charlie! Greenben gasped.

What? Charlie snapped.

Stop talking about Mr. Lazit like that. He is a very nice fellow, said Greenben.

Then he shouldn t have called me strange-looking, said Charlie with a shrug. If

anyone is strange-looking, it s him!

Alright already, Greenben said, his voice growing loud. I said stop it, Charlie.

I don t have to listen to you, Greenben, Charlie replied.

You are absolutely right. You don t have to listen to me, Greenben agreed. But how

are you going to get home without my help?

He had a point. Charlie took a deep breath and walked away from the fence. Once he was

out of earshot, Greenben and Mr. Lazit continued talking.

I m sorry, Mr. Lazit. Charlie is a little uptight and he didn t sleep well last night,

Greenben apologized.


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Oh, I understand, said Mr. Lazit. I d be cranky, too, if I didn t get my beauty rest I

mean, a good night s rest. They both laughed.

Charlie looked over at them and rolled his eyes. I know they re laughing at me, he

thought. I just want to go home. He turned away from them and they continued talking.

Tell me, my friend, where did you meet Charlie? asked Mr. Lazit.

I met him last night on Stinky Street, wandering around. King Dirten s soldiers werepatrolling the streets and poor Charlie was about to be caught by them, said Greenben.

They must have smelled his scent, said Mr. Lazit.

Yeah, you know King Dirten doesn t like strangers in his city, answered Greenben.

They both chuckled and let out a big laugh.

Charlie heard them laughing again. He whipped around and took a few steps forward.

What s so funny? he demanded.

Boy, you should have seen the last fellow who was caught by King Dirten s men, said

Greenben.

Charlie moved closer to them. What happened to him? he asked anxiously.


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Well, the fellow Mr. Lazit paused. He glanced at Greenben.

The last person what? Charlie asked.

Greenben stared at Mr. Lazit. No, Mr. Lazit, You better not say anything! he hissed.

No, tell me! cried Charlie.

Mr. Lazit sighed. I m sorry, Charlie. I can t tell you, Mr. Lazit replied.

Charlie walked away angrily.

Look at him, said Greenben. Maybe you should have told Charlie what happened, Mr.

Lazit.

Mr. Lazit sighed. How can I tell Charlie that King Dirten put the fellow in prison to rot,

never to return to his home? he asked. It s only going to make him more frightened

than what he already is.

Yeah, you re right, Mr. Lazit, said Greenben. He looked over at Charlie who was

sulking by the fence. Anyway, I ll talk to you later. Charlie and I have a long way to go

today.


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Okay, I m going to take a swim in my pool, said Mr. Lazit.

A swim in that dirty pool? Greenben laughed. Don t you think you should clean it

first?

No, I like my pool just the way it is dirty and dark, said Mr. Lazit. I can use the

garbage for my float.

Have fun then . . . said Greenben with a smile. He was glad Charlie didn t hear the pool

comment. He was afraid of what kind of disgusted outburst he d make.

Greenben walked toward Charlie and grabbed his arm. Let s go, Charlie! he said.

Charlie shook him off. Leave me alone! he muttered.

Listen, Charlie, I know that you wanted to hear about the boy who was caught by King

Dirten s soldiers, but I though that if we told you it would make you more afraid than you

are now, said Greenben. It s for your own good.

I m not scared, Charlie pouted. I m not a baby!


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I know you re not a baby, Charlie. I was just trying to protect you, that s all, said

Greenben. Plus, it was terrible what the king did to the boy.

Please, Greenben! Tell me what happened. I promise I won t get scared, Charlie

begged.

Sorry, Charlie. I still can t tell you, Greenben said, walking away from Charlie.

Wait, Greenben! Charlie cried. Greenben kept walking; Charlie ran after him.Greenben, wait! I m sorry.

Greenben stopped and turned to look at Charlie, who was out of breath. What? he

asked.

I m sorry to keep asking you about the boy. I won t ask you about it anymore, said

Charlie. Let s go find Mr. Cleanit so I can go home.

As they walked down Sloppy Avenue toward Mr. Cleanit s house, a creature suddenly

ran across the street in their direction. Alarmed, Charlie wasn t sure what to think. He

braced himself for the encounter.

That s Muddy, Greenben explained. The two companions stopped walking and waited

for her to catch up to them. Hi, Muddy, Greenben said politely.


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Charlie looked at her strangely. She was covered in mud, which dripped as she walked.

Her tail was very bushy and round, and her eyes were as large as tennis ball. She was a

dreadful sight to look at. What an ugly creature, he thought.

Greenben! Greenben! Wait a minute! Muddy cried. I have something I want to ask

you.

Charlie and Greenben glanced at each other. What is it? Greenben asked.

I want you to have dinner with me tonight, said Muddy, batting her eyelashes.

Um, dinner? Greenben asked, trying to think of an excuse fast. I can t. I have to be

somewhere tonight.

Maybe tomorrow night? asked Muddy hopefully.

Sorry, I ll be out of town, said Greenben. Charlie tried not to laugh as he watched

Greenben in his awkward predicament.

Okay, Greenben, she persisted. When you get back in town, we can have dinner.


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I ll see, Greenben replied. He and Charlie started to walk off when Muddy called him

again.

Oh, Greenben! called Muddy.

What is it now? Greenben groaned.

Who is that with you? I never saw him before, said Muddy.

Greenben hesitated before he spoke. Uh, this is Charlie, he said carefully.

He sure is cute, said Muddy, walking toward them again.

Charlie immediately hid behind Greenben, whispering in his ear, She is scary-looking.

Greenben grinned and moved a step away from Charlie. Charlie glanced at him in shock.

Why did you do that? he hissed.

She wants to meet you, said Greenben. I think she likes you.

Stop it! Charlie groaned.

Yes, she does! Greenben laughed.


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Please, help me, God! Charlie muttered under his breath.

Muddy approached them again. Hi, my name is Muddy, she smiled. She reached out to

him and puckered her lips. Charlie quickly put his hands up in front of his face.

Muddy, stop frightening the boy like that! said Greenben.

I wasn t going top kiss him, Greenben. I just wanted to see what he was going to do,

she said playfully. She let out a big laugh. You know I don t kiss creepy strangers likethat. Besides, you re the one for me, Greenben, she winked.

Thank you, God! whispered Charlie.

So, where are you going anyway? asked Muddy.

Charlie and I are going to Mr. Cleanit s house, Greenben explained.

But that s way on the other side of the planet! said Muddy.

I know, but I want to help Charlie get home before King Dirten catches him, explained

Greenben. And Mr. Cleanit is the only creature who can help Charlie.

Can I go with you? asked Muddy.


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No, you can t come, said Greenben.

Come on, Greenben! I want to go with you. Maybe Mr. Cleanit can help me, too. You

know that I drip mud everywhere I go. People don t want me around because I always

leave a big mess, she complained. That s why I invited you to dinner; no one ever

invite me to their house. I feel so alone. Please let me go with you . . .

Charlie stood in the background, shaking his head no. Charlie, you have something tosay? asked Greenben.

No! said Charlie.

How about it, Greenben? Muddy asked again.

No, you can t go with us, Greenben said firmly.

Muddy pursed her lips and thought a second. Okay, if I don t go, I ll simply tell King

Dirten about your little visitor, she said.

You wouldn t do that, Muddy! Greenben cried.

Oh, yes, I will, said Muddy. Watch me.


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Wait a minute! Greenben begged. I have to talk to Charlie about this first.

I ll be right over here! Muddy replied in a fake sweet voice.

Greenben turned around to face Charlie in private. What do you say, Charlie? he

whispered. You heard her. She wants to come with us.

Charlie crossed his arms. No, Greenben. I don t want her to come, he said firmly.She ll make a mess with her dripping mud.

Charlie, listen, said Greenben. If she doesn t come with us, she is going to tell King

Dirten about you.

She s just bluffing, said Charlie.

No, she s not. I have known Muddy for years, and I have seen her open her big mouth

and tell on her neighbors to King Dirten, said Greenben.

Great! Charlie cried. That s all we need a tattletale. I ll be stuck here forever. Ugh!

Well . . . ? Greenben asked. I m not sure what else to tell you.


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Fine. Charlie muttered. Let the drippy dripper come.

Greenben nodded and reluctantly waved Muddy over to them. Come here, Muddy! he

said authoritatively.

Yes, you called me? said Muddy, batting her eyelashes again.

Alright, you can come with us, Greenben replied. Under one condition: no talking.

You know how you can get. Charlie rolled his eyes.

Okay, I promise, said Muddy.

Off they went, all three of them, to see Mr. Cleanit in Cleanville. They traveled quietly

for a few miles, but suddenly, Greenben came to a halt. He noticed what looked like King

Dirten and his soldiers from a far distance. And they were headed straight in their

direction.


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Chapter Three

Run, Charlie! The king is coming! Greenben shouted.

Oh, no! There s no place to hide! cried Charlie. What am I going to do?

Muddy started pacing back and forth nervously. Hurry, Charlie! You have to hide. He s

getting closer, she urged.

Greenben looked around frantically. He glanced to the left and to the right, but there was

no suitable place for his friend to hide. What are we going to do? cried Greenben.

I don t know . . . said Muddy.

Here comes King Dirten! screamed Greenben again. We re too late!

Charlie bolted. He had no other choice.

Charlie! Charlie! Where are you running to? Muddy asked. She froze, unsure if she

should go after him or stick with Greenben.

I don t know, but I don t want to be here! said Charlie. He kept running and didn t look

back.


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King Dirten and his men rode past Greenben and Muddy. Their eyes were set on Charlie.

You there! Stop! one of the soldiers demanded. Charlie kept running. The men chased

after him, hollering and warning him to stop, but Charlie kept going. Terrified, he ran

through trash-filled yards; he jumped over slimy fences. King Dirten s men split up.

Some rode their horses around the block while others began knocking on various

creatures doors.

Grimy, the lead soldier, heard a door slam. He ran up to the door and started pounding onit. No answer. He knocked again. Open up! he growled. This is an order from King

Dirten.

The door opened and out peeked a little, round gray-and-white creature. May I help

you? he asked nervously.

Have you seen a strange being around here? asked Grimy.

No, sir, said the gray creature. I have not.

Alright . . . said Grimy, not believing him. You better not be hiding anyone. He

turned his back and continued to knock on doors with no luck.


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Suddenly, the other soldiers came riding up the block, wildly yelling and chanting: they

had Charlie in chains. Charlie looked like he as trying to remain brave but Greenben

knew he was petrified. There was nothing he and Muddy could do as the soldiers

marched him by his two friends.

Poor Charlie! said Muddy.

Greenben stared at Charlie, speechless. Charlie, I m sorry, he mouthed with his lips.

All the citizens in Pigland lined the streets to watch the soldiers parade Charlie through

the city. Moving slowly, Charlie walked with his head down as he listened to comments

made by the creatures around him.

What a funny-looking creature, said Grubby, a neighbor of Greenben s.

I never saw anything like it! screamed Grubby s friend, Dusty. He stared and pointed.

Just look at him. Ew! He s so strange and he stinks . . . said Drool, another creature that

came out to watch the excitement.

He scares me, Dusty admitted.

What s that on top of his head? asked Grubby. It s brown and straight and stringy!


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I don t know, but it s nasty to look at. Oh! It s hurting my eyes just to look at him,

Dusty gasped. Grubby, give me your hat so I can cover my face.

No! cried Grubby. Use your flippers to cover your eyes. Dusty half resembled a

whale, but he had two feet and walked upright. He was gray and blue and lived next door

to Grubby, who had large bumps all over his body that changed colors when he touched

them.

As Charlie passed by the trio, Dusty quickly covered his face in fear.

Look, Dusty! Look at him! He s right next to you, Grubby teased.

Leave me alone, said Dusty.

I m just playing with you, Dusty; he already passed us, laughed Grubby.

Ha! Very funny, Grubby! said Dusty.

Come on. Let s go, Dusty. The excitement is over now, said Grubby, wobbling away.

Charlie, with tears in his eyes, looked back as Greenben and Muddy walked away with

their heads bowed down, too. Turn around and keep walking! yelled Grimy. Charlie


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quickly turned around. They continued passing all types of odd creatures as he was

paraded closer to King Dirten s palace.

Something caught his eye. Greenben? he wondered with hope. He looked again but it

was only his imagination. I just want to go home, he thought, blinking back tears.

Finally, they arrived at the palace. It looks like a treehouse, Charlie murmured.

Quiet and keep you mouth shut! Grimy barked.

The palace was on top of a large tree that overlooked the entire city. There was a spiral

staircase going to the main door; the prison and soldiers quarters were beneath it. Horses

whinnied in the stables behind the palace,

Charlie was led up the long stairwell, going toward the giant doors of the palace. He

pushed the doors open with his shackled arms and was instantly greeted by a terrible

smell. It filled the entire room. He quickly grabbed his nose and began stepping over all

of the garbage.

This room smells horrible, said Charlie.

Grimy shoved him forward. Hey, didn t I tell you to be quiet? Why do I hear noise

coming from your mouth? he bellowed.


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I was just saying that said Charlie.

That it what ? Grimy interrupted.

That it stinks in here! Charlie cried, pinching his nose tighter.

You re the one who stinks, said Grimy. The smell is coming from you. This palace

smells like roses from the king s garden. Now, be quiet and keep walking!

They reached the king s main chambers. King Dirten was sitting high on his throne

wearing a purple robe trimmed in gold. On his head was a purple crown with garbage

pieces as jewels. His feet rested upon a pile of garbage as he sipped on green looking

juice from his see through cup. Standing around him were four servants. Two stood at

the bottom of his throne, and the other two on the throne with him .

Come closer, said King Dirten.

Go ahead, said Grimy. He pushed Charlie forward.

Charlie whipped around, his chains clanking. Don t push me! he cried.


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Walk faster, King Dirten demanded. Charlie moved faster until he was directly in front

of King Dirten. He held his breath, waiting.

King Dirten looked at him for a long time. His eyes didn t blink. Finally, he turned

around to his advisors. What type of creature is this? he asked.

The advisors hemmed and hawed for a few seconds. We don t know, one of them

replied. But we ll go look in the World of Creatures book and see if this one is in there.

Do it now, said King Dirten. The creature and I will wait here. The advisors hurried

out of the room to look through the pages of the thick book.

King Dirten turned his attention back to Charlie. What kind of creature are you? he

asked curiously, looking him up and down. Charlie said nothing but stood there. He was

too afraid to speak. What kind of creature are you!? King Dirten repeated. Charlie still

didn t say anything.

Grimy walked up and pushed Charlie. Answer the king! he hissed.

I m a human, said Charlie. I m a boy.

A what? asked the king, craning his neck forward and squinting his eyes.


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A human! shouted Charlie. Nervous for yelling, he tried to take a step back but

Grimy was right behind him.

Watch it! You re talking to the king, Grimy warned.

Suddenly, the advisors ran back into the room. King Dirten, we found what type of

creature he is . . . one of them cried.

Let me see, King Dirten ordered. He said he is a human. Let s see if he s telling thetruth. Bring me the book.

The advisor brought the still-open book over to the king. A large, picture of a human

filled the page, along with a caption describing humans, in general. Hmmm, so he was

telling the truth . . . the king said. He s a human.

They are very ugly creatures, King Dirten! said Grimy.

Yeah, this one is the weirdest creature I have ever seen, King Dirten mused.

What are we going to do with him? asked Grimy, getting excited.

I don t know yet, the king said. Maybe we should tie him to the tree outside for the

night. Say, boy, what do you think I should do with you?


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Charlie looked at him, surprised. Let me go! he cried. I want to go home.

King Dirten let out a big laugh. Ha! I was thinking more along the lines of you rotting in

my prison like the rest of the trash in Pigland, until you are no more!

Grimy laughed along with the king. Charlie gasped.

Take the human away and lock him in the dungeon, King Dirten said dismissively withthe wave of his hand.

Let s go, said Grimy, grinning. He grabbed the boy by his shoulders.

Charlie screamed at the top of his lungs. No! Please, no! I want to go home!

Shut up! screamed Grimy.

Be off with him, said King Dirten. He s giving me a headache.

Help me! Charlie cried. Someone please help me!

Two soldiers joined Grimy and helped drag Charlie out of the room. Come on! said one

of the soldiers.


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Help me! Charlie begged one last time. He was led out of the room to the dark, dirty

dungeon.

Poor creature, Grimy laughed. He won t last long.

I give him about a week, King Dirten smiled.

Do you remember what happened to the last stranger we caught in Pigland? Grimyasked.

He didn t even last a week, King Dirten nodded. They both laughed evilly as they

heard the faint sound of Charlie s chains headed toward the dungeon.


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Chapter Four

Charlie was brought to the prison in the courtyard. The guards pushed him into a rusty,

filthy cell and he fell on the mud-covered concrete floor. Get in there! one of them

screamed.

Ouch! You didn t have to push me! Charlie cried.

Shut up! Did I ask you to speak? the guard shouted. The guard locked the gate and theywalked away, leaving Charlie alone in the dark dungeon with very little light. Once his

eyes adjusted a bit, he was able to take in his surroundings but he was definitely alone.

Everywhere I go, it s dirty and stinks! Charlie muttered. Oh, my God! Was that a

mouse? A huge black rat scurried across his foot. I want to go home! Charlie cried.

Meanwhile, Gloomy, one of the king s advisors and a longtime pal of Greenben s, snuck

out of the palace and rushed to tell Greenben about Charlie. He immediately started

walking the long trek to Dirtville.

Halfway there, however, he saw his friend wandering the streets. He looked disoriented

and lost. Hey, Greenben! Gloomy called out. Greenben, it s me, Gloomy. I have news

about your friend, Charlie!


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Be on time! You know how you are! Gloomy half joked. I must go now before the

king gets suspicious. The two creatures said goodbye and Gloomy headed back to the

treehouse palace.

The next morning, one of the guards brought Charlie some food to eat. Wake up! Here s

your food, he grunted. Charlie didn t move. Hey you! Wake up! the guard repeated.

I am not sleeping, Charlie muttered.

Well, here s your food, said the guard. He pushed the food under the gate. Charlie took

one look at it and suddenly felt sick.

Ew! he complained. I am not eating that.

You ll eat it if you know what s good for you, the guard warned.

No, I m not eating that, Charlie repeated. Even Greenben s home cooked meals looked

more appetizing than what sat in front of him.

Okay, just starve then because that s all you re getting today, the guard shrugged.

I guess I ll starve then, Charlie said defiantly.


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Have it your way, the guard said, disappearing. Charlie pushed the nasty food away as

his stomach growled intensely. He leaned against the rusty bars and sighed. He started

thinking about how much he missed his family, especially his mother.

Subconsciously, he began talking out loud to himself . . .

I hate being here. This place is dirty and it stinks. I just want to go home. I don t want to

be here anymore, he said. But no one heard him. The only other sound he could hear

was that of his hungry stomach.

Alone and frightened, he Charlie started to cry again. So much for being a big boy, he

thought as he sniffled. I can t stay in this place another day . . .

His fears got the best of him. Please, somebody help me! he wailed. Still, no one

answered.

Why didn t I listen to my mother? All she asked me to do was to clean my room. That

wasn t a difficult task! he scolded himself. But no, I wanted to wait until I came back

from our trip. That was a big mistake! Now I m stuck in this rotten place forever.

Charlie banged on the gate. Let me out! Hey, let me out! he cried out. I want to go

home now!


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No! I m sorry, Charlie said quickly. I m just scared, that s all. Please get me out.

Well, listen closely. Tomorrow, Greenben and I will help you escape so that you can go

to Cleanville to get home. Greenben told me all about you and your problem, Gloomy

explained. I don t want anything bad to happen to you like the other stranger that was

once in here. He never made it out. Some say he went crazy before he died.

I m listening . . . Charlie said, his eyes growing wide. He clung to the rusty bars thatseparated him from his freedom.

No mistakes can be made tomorrow, Gloomy warned. After I get the key from

Shadow, I will meet Greenben at 11:00 a.m. in Dirtville. We will walk back to the prison

and wait until all the guards go on their lunch break.

Okay, and then what? Charlie asked, becoming excited.

Then we will sneak in and let you out. Now, you have to be wide awake, Charlie, so we

can move quickly. There is no time to lose. The guards will be back to check on you

when they re finished eating. Do you understand me? Gloomy asked. His voice was

very serious.

Yes, I understand, said Charlie.


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Okay, I will see you tomorrow, replied Gloomy. He smiled at Charlie. And you re not

that ugly, he added.

For the first time in a long time, Charlie cracked a smile. Gloomy promised to return the

next day and Charlie crouched back down in his cell, waiting.

The next morning, Gloomy met Shadow on top of Misty Hill, just as planned. He hoped

the other advisor had a copy of the key for him.

Gloomy, if you get caught, I don t know anything about how you got the key, Shadow

warned, handing him the copy. You re my friend, but please don t put me in the middle

of this.

I wouldn t do that to you, said Gloomy quietly. You have nothing to worry about.

I know, but I just had to make that clear, said Shadow nervously.

Thanks for you re help, Shadow. I should probably get going to meet up with

Greenben, Gloomy replied.

Anytime, just remember what I said though, Shadow nodded. And tell Greenben I said

hello.


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I will, Gloomy said. See you later and wish me luck!

Shadow sighed. You re going to need a lot more than that, he mumbled. Then he

headed back toward the palace.

It was 10:57 a.m. when Gloomy reached Dim Street.


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Chapter Five

At 11:07 a.m., Gloomy saw Greenben walking toward him. Hey, Gloomy! he said

excitedly when he noticed his partner in crime.

Shhh! Don t be so loud, Greenben, Gloomy hissed. And you re late, as usual. We

have to hurry up before the guards get back to work.

Alright, let s go! said Greenben. What are we waiting for?

Gloomy rolled his eyes. We were waiting for you, he muttered. Greenben grinned and

patted him on the back.

They hurried off toward the prison. Gloomy made sure he held onto the key with his dear

life. But suddenly, some of the king s soldiers stopped them. Grimy was at the front of

the pack. Great, they both groaned as the soldiers approached.

Where are you two going? Grimy questioned them.

Oh! We re just taking a walk, you know, enjoying this lovely day, Greenben lied.

Gloomy nodded.


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Hmmm, said Grimy, looking up at the smog-filled sky. You re right; it is a lovely day.

Carry on.

Thank you, Sir, said Greenben. The soldiers continued on their way as Greenben and

Gloomy continued on in the direction of the prison.

By then it was 12:25 p.m. and time was running out. Come on, Greenben! Let s hurry

up! said Gloomy. He knew the guards returned to their posts at 1:00 p.m.

At last, they arrived at the prison. All was eerily quiet. There were no guards in sight.

Gloomy and Greenben slunk inside the part of the dungeon where Charlie was being

housed.

Charlie! called Greenben as soon as he saw his friend. We re here to rescue you!

Oh, Greenben! You came for me! Charlie exclaimed.

Shhh! Someone might hear you, Gloomy said through gritted teeth. He tried to put the

key into the rusty lock but it was difficult.

Hurry! Open the gate, cried Greenben.

I m trying. Don t rush me! said a shaky Gloomy.


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Sorry, I m not trying to rush you, Greenben apologized. I just want to hurry up and

get out of this place before the guards return.

Finally, the key twisted and the lock clicked open. Okay! said Gloomy. Charlie,

you re free!

Come on, Charlie! Let s go! Greenben cried. Quietly, they tiptoed as fast as they could

to the main door that led outside. Once outside, it felt good to breathe air fromoutdoors even if it wasn t so fresh.

Suddenly, Gloomy saw one of the guards heading in their direction.

Run, Charlie, run! Gloomy begged.

Run and don t look back! Greenben instructed. Go straight to my house and hide!

Charlie ran as fast as he had ever run before. Luckily, the guard did not see him

disappear. Instead, he approached Gloomy. Hey Gloomy, what s going on? Grimy

asked.

Hi, Grimy. My friend, Greenben, just stopped by to bring me some lunch, said Gloomy

casually.


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Yeah, I know what it s like to be hungry. I wish my wife would bring me lunch every

now and then, Grimy smiled.

And you know that I like the, um, fresh air, said Gloomy, looking up at the gray sky.

Yes, it is refreshing, said Grimy with a sigh. I like it, too, but I don t get out often

enough to enjoy it. Busy working, you know, hunting down strangers and all. Speaking of

strangers, I wonder how that creature is doing, the one we caught a few days ago.

Gloomy pretended he wasn t sure what Grimy was talking about.

I think you call him a human? Grimy continued.

Oh, that one, Gloomy said, glancing over at Greenben. Hmmm, I don t know. I think

he s okay.

Grimy turned to Greenben. Hey, wait a sec. Aren t you the one who was with the human

the other day? he asked, suddenly glaring at him.

Oh no, Sir! Not me . . . said Greenben. His heart started beating at warp speed.


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You look pretty familiar. I could have sworn you were the one walking with him, said

Grimy.

Nope! It wasn t me, said Greenben, silently praying he wouldn t be thrown into

Charlie s old cell.

Hmmm. Maybe it was a creature that just looked like you, Grimy concluded. All of

you Dopas look the same anyway. Well, I must go and check on that human now . . . He

strolled toward Charlie s empty jail cell, leaving Gloomy and Greenben standing there ina panic.

Oh my! What are we going to do now? Greenben cried. He s going to check on

Charlie and he won t be there!

I don t know, but you better leave right now! said Gloomy. I ll figure something out.

What is going to happen to you? asked Greenben anxiously.

Don t worry, Greenben. They don t know that I have a key. Plus, they ll think that

Charlie is hiding somewhere in the palace, Gloomy assured his friend. They re not that

bright to figure out that Charlie could have ran out of the door. But go, Greenben. I hear

the alarm ringing!


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Greenben hurried down the street and didn t stop running until he reached his home in

Dirtville. Charlie was hiding in the bushes by the door. He was white as a ghost.

What took you so long? Charlie cried. I ve been waiting for you forever. I thought

you were in trouble for saving me!

I know, Charlie. I m sorry. Grimy, the king s guard, started asking us questions about

you, explained Greenben.

Does he know that I am not there? asked Charlie with a big gulp.

He went to check on you and you weren t there, so he sounded the alarm. And now they

are looking for you, said Greenben.

What s going to happen to Gloomy? Charlie asked.

I don t know, but we need to get moving, said Greenben. He looked back in the

direction of the palace. Fast.

How are we going to get to Mr. Cleanit s house? asked Charlie.

We were supposed to use a horse, but we didn t have time because Grimy stopped to

talk to us, Greenben sighed. We ll just have to find supplies in my house. No worries.


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Charlie rolled his eyes. What could we possibly find in there? he thought to himself,

disgusted. He got ready to hold his breath.

C mon, let s go, Greenben said, walking up the steps and unlocking his door. We

don t have much time.


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Chapter Six

Greenben opened the door. Come in, Charlie. We need some supplies to take with us,

he instructed. Grab that bag on the chair and fill it with food and drinks.

How long will the food last us? asked Charlie, pinching his nose.

About four days, which should hold us over until we reach Mr. Cleanit s house, said

Greenben.

Okay! Let s go! said Charlie, more than ready to find out how to get home.

Remember, Charlie, we have to be very careful because King Dirten s men are

everywhere. He even has spies out there, said Greenben.

Greenben and Charlie started out on their journey to Cleanville to see Mr. Cleanit.

Careful about every movement, they heard something behind a pile of garbage.

Shhh, Charlie! whispered Greenben.

Did you hear that? asked Charlie. He moved closer to Greenben for protection.


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Someone is behind that garbage pile over there, Greenben pointed. Quick, go hide

behind that tree over there.

Please let it be a cat, Charlie prayed, obeying Greenben s orders.

Greenben moved closer to the garbage. Come out, whoever you are! he demanded. He

waited, but no one came out. He knew someone, or something, was back there though

and so he sneakily walked behind the garbage to find . . . Muddy.

Muddy! What are you doing back there and why are you following us? Greenben

yelled.

I-I-I heard that Charlie escaped the dungeon and I figured that he would be with you,

Muddy stuttered.

Greenben was confused. How did you hear about Charlie? he asked.

King Dirten s men posted signs up everywhere with Charlie s picture on them. You

know that he s going to reward the person that turns him in, right? Muddy asked.

Charlie, overhearing the conversation, came out from hiding behind the tree. I heard

that! he said angrily.


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So, it is true! You did escape! said Muddy in disbelief.

Yeah, and what are you going to do? Charlie glared. He clenched his fists.

Muddy, are you going to turn him in? Greenben asked.

Maybe I will, she replied casually. I don t know. There is a pretty big reward for him;

the snitch gets a castle.

Come on, Muddy! Greenben groaned. You are my friend. All Charlie wants to do is

go home. Just let him.

I know, Muddy hesitated. But you have to admit that having your own castle sounds

really nice. That great big place with servants to wait on you, hand and foot. I don t

know, Greenben. It is very tempting.

Look Muddy, you can come with us again, Charlie suddenly offered. We don t mind

if you drip mud all over.

I don t know, Charlie, she sighed. What if we get caught? Then I ll be thrown in the

dungeon, like you.


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Please, Muddy. I want to go home ! Charlie pleaded. He blinked back tears that were

suddenly forming in his eyes.

Muddy noticed them. Okay, let me take a minute to think about it, she said.

Hurry and make up your mind! urged Greenben.

Alright! Alright! I ll go with you, Greenben, but you owe me one, said Muddy.

Fine, when we get back I ll cook dinner for you, said Greenben with reluctance in his

voice. Let s go!

Charlie, Greenben, and Muddy started on the long journey to Cleanville to see Mr.

Cleanit. But soon, they came to a four-way intersection.

Which way do we go? asked Charlie, looking at each of the directions.

I think we re suppose to walk straight down this street, said Greenben after a long

pause.

Wait a minute! You don t know what way we should take? Charlie groaned.


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Of course I do, Greenben replied. Do you think I would take you somewhere and not

know how to get there? Come on, Charlie. Trust me! said Greenben.

Charlie hesitated. It seems like you don t know the way to Cleanville, he sighed.

Hush, you two, Muddy interrupted their bickering. There s a sign over there. Maybe it

will show us which way to go.

Quickly, they rushed over to the sign. It says to go this way, said Charlie, pointing toDirty Rock Street. I thought you knew the way, Greenben! He rolled his eyes.

I do know the way. It has just been a long time since I came this way . . . Greenben

said.

As they continued their journey, Muddy suddenly stopped in her tracks. She cocked her

head and listened. Charlie and Greenben stopped, too. Shhh! I think I hear King Dirten s

soldiers coming our way. Sure enough, the sound of horses began to echo, and it seemed

like the horses were headed in their direction.

Charlie, hide! screamed Greenben.

Hurry! I see them coming! cried Muddy. Charlie scrambled over to a heap of large

rocks on the side of the street and ducked down out of sight.


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Good morning, Grimy, said Greenben as Grimy and the other soldiers approached.

Where are you headed? Grimy asked in a serious tone.

Muddy and I are taking a stroll that s all, Greenben said.

We re just enjoying the sweet smell of garbage, added Muddy.

Grimy nodded, buying their lies. Yes, the sweet aroma just makes me want to stay out

here all day long, he sighed. But you know, I must be going.

Oh? Where are you heading to? asked Greenben. He glanced over at the rock pile.

I have to go to Cleanville to pick up a stranger. We think it s the creature that escaped a

few days ago, Grimy muttered.

Well, I hope that you find him, said Greenben.

Oh, we will, Grimy cackled. That s why we re going to Cleanville to see this stranger.

The sooner we get him off the streets, the better we ll all be.

Yes, I agree, Greenben nodded. When do you expect to get there?


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But obviously you were not listening! said Muddy. He said that they will get to

Cleanville later tonight . . .

Okay, so what does that mean for us? asked Charlie.

It means that we can still go there! Muddy smiled. Remember, we are walking; it will

take us longer to get there. By the time we actually get to Cleanville. Grimy and his

soldiers will already be on their way back.

But won t we run into them? asked Charlie.

Of course not. We can walk in the woods that parallel the streets, said Muddy.

Then what are we waiting for? Greenben said. Let s go!


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Chapter Seven

As Charlie, Greenben, and Muddy carefully made their way to Clean Village by traveling

through the woods, they randomly ran into Gloomy, who seemed anxious.

Gloomy! Is that you? What are you doing out here? cried Greenben.

Shhh! Somebody might hear you, Gloomy said in a low voice.

Why are you whispering? asked Charlie.

King Dirten s men are looking for me. They said I helped you escaped, said Gloomy,

pointing at Charlie. He shook his head and looked back at Greenben.

How did they find out? No one was there when you opened the gate! Greenben

exclaimed.

That s what I thought, too, but Muster, one of the guards, said he saw me, said

Gloomy.

Wow, that s bad, Gloomy . . . said Muddy.


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Gloomy nodded. When I let Charlie out, I didn t see Muster. He s sneaky and he s also

one of King Dirten s spies, Gloomy said. Muster must have been hiding in the dark

somewhere. Anyway, he claimed he saw me.

So where are you going? asked Charlie, feeling horrible for Gloomy getting caught.

I m on my way to Cleanville, said Gloomy.

Oh, no! cried Muddy, Greenben, and Charlie at the same time.

What s wrong? Gloomy cried.

Grimy is on his way to Cleanville, too, said Greenben softly.

Gloomy fell to the ground and put his hands on his head. What am I going to do? If I m

caught, King Dirten will banish me forever, he said.

Banish you where? asked Charlie, thinking that any place could be better than here.

To another planet! I don t want to go there! It would be cold, dark, and there would be

no garbage on it . . . said Gloomy with tears in his eyes.


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Well, Cleanville doesn t have garbage and you were going to go there. What s the big

difference? asked Charlie.

The big difference is I won t be by myself! I ll be alone on that cold, dark planet if I m

banished, said Gloomy, his lips trembling.

Well, you can come with us to Cleanville, said Greenben. But it will be dangerous.

You can hide with me in the woods, Charlie offered.

In the woods? No, not me, said Gloomy. Too scary.

Okay then, get caught. Suit yourself! said Greenben with a shrug.

It s your fault that I m having this problem! said Gloomy. If I had not helped Charlie,

I would be back in my house enjoying the sweet smell of garbage.

Wait one minute! I didn t ask you to help him; you came to me, Greenben reminded

him. You were the one who said you could get Charlie out!

Come on. Stop the fighting! said Muddy. She turned to Gloomy. Listen, Gloomy. You

don t have a choice. If you stay, you will get caught. You might as well come with us.


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Yeah, Gloomy. Just come with us, Charlie coaxed.

But we have to keep moving, Greenben interrupted. If you are coming with us, let s

go.

Off they went, Charlie, Greenben, Muddy, and Gloomy toward Cleanville. Greenben and

Muddy walked along the street; Charlie and Gloomy stuck to the nearby woods. They

traveled a few miles when, once again, they were distracted by a strange noise. They all

froze.

Glop . . . Glop . . .

What s that? asked Charlie.

Glop . . . Glop . . .

That sounds like the footsteps of horses, Greenben whispered. Quick! Hide behind

that tree, Charlie.

You hide, too, Gloomy! Muddy said.


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Charlie and Gloomy ran to the closest large tree and hid. Greenben and Muddy continued

to walk casually down the road. Eventually, they came upon a group of King Dirten s

soldiers, returning from Cleanville.

Good afternoon, said Muddy, smiling.

Good afternoon, replied the lead soldier. He glanced at Greenben. May I ask where

the two of you are going?

We are going to Cleanville for the parade, Muddy replied.

The soldiers all seemed to relax a little. Oh, yeah! The parade was just getting started

when we left, the lead soldier said. You better hurry up so you can get a good spot

along the street.

Thanks, we ll try, said Muddy, nudging Greenben to start moving again.

The soldier squinted at Greenben. Wait a second, he said. Have either of you seen a

strange-looking creature around these parts?

Greenben gulped. No, Sir, he said quietly.


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The soldier reached in his saddlebag and pulled out a small poster. He gave it a shake and

it unrolled to reveal Charlie s face on it with one word printed in giant letters at the top:

WANTED . You haven t seen this thing? he asked, keeping his eyes locked on Greenben.

No, not at all, Greenben said, trying to remain calm. But I sure hope you catch him.

He nonchalantly crossed his fingers behind his back.

The soldier continued to stare at him, unsure. Okay, he finally said. If you do happen

to see this creature between here and Cleanville, you let us know.

Frightened, Greenben only nodded. Muddy did the same. They waited a few minutes

until the soldiers were gone before they signaled for Charlie and Gloomy to come out of

hiding.

They are gone. You can come out now, said Greenben. Charlie and Gloomy hurried

over to them.

Boy! That was close! said Charlie.

Yeah! Too close for me. We could have been caught be King Dirten s soldiers,

shuttered Gloomy.


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Alright, it s over. We need to keep going before someone else comes along, said

Greenben.

Charlie, Gloomy, Greenben, and Muddy walked for hours. Soon, the sound of music

could be heard as they finally approached Cleanville.

Music! The parade! Muddy cried.

We made it to Cleanville! Charlie said with excitement in his voice. We have to hurryso we can see Mr. Cleanit and I can finally go home! He started moving faster than the

rest of the gang.

Hold your horses, Charlie. We have to see the parade, Muddy said.

Muddy, we have no time for that, Greenben said.

Please? Muddy begged. Can we watch the parade for a little while?

No! Charlie wants to get home, and Mr. Cleanit is the only one who can help him, said

Greenben. Stop being so selfish all the time.

Maybe Mr. Cleanit will be at the parade? Charlie shrugged. The music, the lights, and

all of the action kind of made him want to watch the parade, too.


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Actually, you may be right! said Gloomy. I think I once heard Mr. Cleanit likes

parades.

But remember, Greenben said. We must look for Mr. Cleanit there. Be on the

lookout.

This was the biggest parade ever, it had so many floats. Big floats, little floats, floats ,

floats, floats. There was a float that had a statue of the King wearing his purple rob witha gold staff in his right hand. Surrounding him were red, yellow and pink flowers, and

blue bushes. The streets was clean and the people seemed to be friendly . Mayor Boo was

there and singer Starclean who sang his best song, I love to be clean .

Look! Red, yellow, and blue balloons! Muddy said with excitement. I just love big,

colorful balloons. This is so fun!

Me, too, said Gloomy, cracking a smile. Greenben, do you see the purple horse? It s

so beautiful . . . Oh! There goes a pink and yellow horse!

Wait! That s Mr. Lazit riding on it! Muddy cried. Wave to him, Charlie!

Charlie quickly ducked out of sight behind Greenben. Are you crazy! He will get us in

trouble, hissed Greenben. What is wrong with you, Muddy?


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I am sorry, Muddy apologized. I m just excited to see the parade.

Well, please don t forget why we re here, said Charlie, coming out from behind

Greenben.

I know, I know, said Muddy, shaking her head. How about you all go ahead and find

Mr. Cleanit? I ll catch up with you later. She turned her attention back toward the floats.

Greenben, Charlie, and Gloomy walked away relieved that they were ditching her.

Moving in and out of the crowd, Gloomy was the first to spot Mr. Cleanit.

Mr. Cleanit,! Mr. Cleanit! he called excitedly. We need to talk to you!

He didn t hear you, said Greenben.

Try again! urged Charlie. Yell louder.

There were too many creatures in the way and the music was way too loud.

Mr. Cleanit! Please, Sir, we need your help! Gloomy yelled one last time.

Forget it, Gloomy. It s too crazy here. We can follow him home, said Greenben.


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Wait! Look, he s leaving! Charlie noticed.

Hurry! Follow him! said Greenben. They weaved and bobbed through the large crowd

of creatures until they got right behind Mr. Cleanit. They got away from the masses of

creatures but before Greenben could even tap his shoulder, Mr. Cleanit whipped around.

Why are you following me? he demanded.

We need your help, said Greenben.

Help for what? Mr. Cleanit asked, confused.

Greenben pushed Charlie toward Mr. Cleanit. This is Charlie. He was captured by King

Dirten s soldiers and thrown in the dungeon. He escaped and needs your help to get

home, Greenben explained.

You are the only one who can help him, said Gloomy.

Mr. Cleanit observed Charlie for a few seconds, thinking. Come here, Charlie, he said.

Charlie walked over to him. How did you get here? asked Mr. Cleanit.

It s a long story, said Charlie, taking a deep breath.


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Please, do tell, said Mr. Cleanit.

It all started when I was looking for my new shoes to put on. I looked all over my room

but I could not find them, Charlie began.

Was your room clean, Charlie? asked Mr. Cleanit.

No, said Charlie. He hung his head in shame as he remembered his mother s words.

Well, that s why you couldn t find your shoes. If you put everything away, you will be

able to find it all when you need it, Mr. Cleanit replied.

You re absolutely right, Mr. Cleanit, mumbled Charlie.

Go on. Finish the story, said Mr. Cleanit, listening intently.

After I looked everywhere, I decided to look under my bed, said Charlie. I moved my

toys around and I saw a hole in the floor. At first I was scared; it was a very large hole. I

tried telling my mother about it but she said it was just my imagination. She told me that I

should ve cleaned my room to the first time she asked me to.

Mr. Cleanit sighed. She s right, Charlie. You should have cleaned your room, he said.


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You don t have to remind me . . . Charlie groaned.

Go on, urged Greenben.

Okay, I stared at the hole for a little while. Then I put my hand in it and suddenly it

sucked me in! I went through a dark tunnel that, ultimately, brought me here, Charlie

finished.

Oh, so that s how you ended up here! laughed Mr. Cleanit. Again, if you had cleaned

your room, you wouldn t be looking for me to help you.

Alright, Mr. Cleanit, Greenben said, sensing Charlie s growing frustration. Can you

help Charlie or not?

I think I can, said Mr. Cleanit, nodding.

Yes! said Charlie.

Don t get too happy just yet, Charlie, Mr. Cleanit quickly said. It will be very hard.

King Dirten s soldiers are out on the road looking for you.

I know . . . said Charlie.


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We need to get out of the street. I noticed some of King Dirten s soldiers are at the

parade. I, for one, do not want to run into them. I m sure you don t either, said Mr.

Cleanit.

Wait a minute! cried Gloomy. What about Muddy?

Oh no, Charlie groaned. She s watching the parade.

No worries. I will go look for her, volunteered Greenben.

Okay, we will go to Mr. Cleanit s house, said Gloomy.

I will catch up with you later, Charlie, said Greenben.

Okay, said Charlie.

Greenben left to go look for Muddy in the crowd as Charlie, Mr. Cleanit, and Gloomy

walked cautiously to Mr. Cleanit s house. Finally, they arrived at his house.


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Chapter Eight

Wow! Mr. Cleanit , your yard is so clean, Charlie exclaimed.

That s why they call me Mr. Cleanit, Charlie. I do not like a messy house or a cluttered

yard, Mr. Cleanit replied, smiling.

I don t even smell any garbage, said Charlie in disbelief.

Yeah, but it smells strange, said Gloomy, pinching his nose.

Oh, Gloomy, be quiet! You re just used to stinky trash lying all over the place. Here,

you will not smell or see any garbage, said Mr. Cleanit.

Can we go inside now? asked Charlie. I m nervous the soldiers will see us and I really

want to get back home.

Mr. Cleanit nodded and put his key in the door. They all entered the house, one at a time.

The walls were orange with big yellow poka dots. There was a orange rug to match

the walls. The livingroom had a white sofa and and chair to blend with the wall and

floor. On the wall hung pictures of his mother and father.. The kitchen was green and a

brown table and chairs to sit in. It was clean no garbage lying around.In the bathroom, it


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was purple and white and the bedroom was yellow and red with a lrge black bed. There

were two closet to hang his clothes. His house was so beautiful.

Okay, let s try to figure out how we are going to get you home, Charlie, said Gloomy.

I agree. Mr. Cleanit, what do you have planned? asked Charlie.

I don t know yet, said Mr. Cleanit. Let me think about it.

Suddenly, there was a sharp knock on the door. Mr. Cleanit looked through his peephole

and opened it. Greenben, come in, please, said Mr. Cleanit with a smile. He extended

his hand. Greenben walked in, followed by Muddy . . .

Oh, no! You re dripping mud all over my floor! Mr. Cleanit cried.

I m so sorry, said Muddy, embarrassed. She took a step backwards.

You cannot stay in my house. You will dirty it up! Mr. Cleanit said, shaking his head

numerous times.

Please, Mr. Cleanit. Let Muddy stay. She came all this way with us to help Charlie,

said Greenben.


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I know how we can help Charlie, said Mr. Cleanit. First, to go back to Dirtville,

Charlie can wear my costume from last week s Midnight Ball. No one would recognize

him in it, said Mr. Cleanit.

Yeah, but his face will show, said Muddy.

No, it won t, said Mr. Cleanit. The costume will cover his whole body including his

face.

Oh! He ll look like one of us! said Greenben.

Brilliant! said Gloomy. We should ve done this before.

Once he has the costume on, we can go back to Dirtville to the exact spot where he

landed, said Mr. Cleanit.

But the tunnel is gone, said Charlie. And the path that led to it is filled with garbage.

Figures, said Mr. Cleanit. Charlie, the path must be cleaned just like your room.

But that is a lot of garbage to clean, Charlie moaned.


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Hey! You can always stay here, said Muddy. She shrugged her shoulders and mud

splattered on the plastic below. Mr. Cleanit shot her a look of disgust.

No way. I want to go home! said Charlie.

So stop complaining then, said Mr. Cleanit. You know what you have to do.

Now that we know how to get Charlie back in town, when are we going to do this?

asked Gloomy.

Tonight, said Charlie, determined.

No, we can do it tomorrow, said Greenben. We must have all of our energy.

Okay! It s a plan then. Let s get a good night s rest, said Mr. Cleanit. Charlie, you can

sleep in the extra room. Greenben and Gloomy, both of you can sleep in the chairs. Um,

sorry, Muddy . . . I don t know where to put you.

I guess I ll stand here all night, Muddy muttered.

Mr. Cleanit felt bad for her. Wait a minute, Muddy. You can sleep on the red chair over

there. It is covered with plastic, he said reluctantly.


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Muddy suddenly broke into sobs.

What? Why are you crying? asked Mr. Cleanit, utterly confused.

No one has ever been that nice to me! she wailed.

Mr. Cleanit sighed. Don t worry about it. Just go to sleep. We have a long day ahead of

us tomorrow, said Mr. Cleanit. He turned out the lights and the house became dark and

quiet. Everyone fell fast asleep.

The warm sunlight beamed through Charlie s window. Still asleep, he slowly rolled over

onto his side. But suddenly he was awakened by the sounds of shouting and horses

stomping nearby. Charlie bolted upright and looked out the window. King Dirten s

soldiers were headed toward the house. He quickly ran over to Mr. Cleanit s room to alert

him.

Mr. Cleanit! Mr. Cleanit! The soldiers are coming! Charlie cried.

What are you talking about, Charlie? asked Mr. Cleanit, slightly disoriented.

I saw King Dirten s soldiers down the street. They are coming to your house! said

Charlie.


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There was a knock at the door.

Charlie, hide here behind my bed, Mr. Cleanit whispered.

Won t they see me if they search the place? gasped Charlie.

No, there s a secret door behind my bed. Hurry up! said Mr. Cleanit. He tossed Charlie

a small key from his nightstand drawer. Charlie scooted behind the bed, unlocked the

secret door, and hid.

Mr. Cleanit walked into the living room. Greenben, Gloomy, and Muddy were wide

awake and cowering together in a corner of the room. Mr. Cleanit took a deep breath and

answered the door.

Grimy immediately stepped forward, trying to look over Mr. Cleanit s shoulder. Sorry

to disturb you this morning, but we heard you have strangers in your house, he

announced gruffly. It was clear that he was sick of playing games.

Mr. Cleanit smiled politely. Oh, you re talking about my friends: Greenben, Muddy, and

Glo , Before he could finish saying Gloomy s name, Greenben coughed. And

Glowy, Mr. Cleanit said, catching himself. Yes, they all stayed over last night.


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Grimy didn t say anything as he let the information sink in. False report, soldiers. Stand

down, he concluded, looking back at the soldiers. He turned to face Mr. Cleanit it again.

We are looking for that strange creature who escaped from the dungeon a couple of days

ago. We thought he might be hiding out in these parts.

No one s here but my three friends, said Mr. Cleanit calmly.

Then you won t mind if we search your house, right? Grimy asked, pushing Mr.

Cleanit aside anyway.

No, go right ahead, said Mr. Cleanit.

As the soldiers searched the house, Greenben slowly approached Mr. Cleanit, trying not

to make the soldiers suspicious. Where is Charlie? Greenben whispered.

Don t worry about it. He s safe, said Mr. Cleanit.

The soldiers finished searching the house and left after they couldn t find Charlie.

Remember, if you see anyone, let us know, Grimy said as Mr. Cleanit closed the door

behind him.

Whoa! That was a close call! said Muddy, breathing a sigh of relief.


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I was lucky that they didn t notice me, said Gloomy.

Yes, you were, said Greenben.

Mr. Cleanit went into his bedroom and knocked on the secret door behind his bed.

Charlie, you can come out now. They re gone, he said. Charlie opened the door and

wiggled his way out.

Boy! That was close, said Charlie, brushing off his knees.

Greenben walked into the room. We need to hurry up and get going, he said. I have a

funny feeling about that little encounter we just had . . .

One of King Dirten s soldiers had recognized Gloomy.

Captain Grimy, I think I saw Gloomy in the house, he admitted once they were a few

miles away from Mr. Cleanit s house.

You know that the king is looking for him, too, right? asked one of the other soldiers

riding alongside of the first soldier.

No, I know what Gloomy looks like, and that creature wasn t him, said Grimy. We

must keep looking.


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The soldier continued. I am sure that was him, Captain Grimy, he said.

Alright, someone stay a few houses down and watch Mr. Cleanit s house. The rest of us

will continue looking for the stranger, said Grimy.

Back inside Mr. Cleanit s house, everyone was scurrying around, preparing to leave for

Dirtville. Charlie put on Mr. Cleanit s costume and everyone approved. Finally, Mr.

Cleanit locked his door. As they all walked down the street, Greenben noticed one of King Dirten s soldiers lingering on the corner. Isn t that one of the king s soldiers? he

asked.

Oh no, it s Sandy. He s definitely a soldier, said Gloomy. He s going to recognize

me!

I doubt that, said Greenben. I am going to keep my eye on him.

Here, Gloomy, put my hat on, said Mr. Cleanit.

Gloomy pulled the hat over his head as far down as it would go. Thanks, he whispered.

Okay, let s keep moving, said Greenben.


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Charlie, are you alright? asked Muddy.

Yeah, I m okay, he replied.

Don t worry, Charlie. You will be home in no time, said Muddy, smiling.

As they left the boundaries of Cleanville, Sandy followed them close behind.

Why is he following us? asked Greenben. He felt anxious.

I don t know. Why don t you ask him? asked Gloomy, half joking.

Okay, I will, said Greenben. He slowed his pace.

We don t have time for all of that. Let s keep moving. It will be dark sooner than we

think, said Mr. Cleanit.

But if we don t ask him, he ll continue to follow us, said Greenben. He stopped and

turned to face Sandy straight on.

Sandy paused, dumbfounded.

Why are you following us? Greenben asked bluntly.


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Who, me? asked Sandy. He looked behind himself.

Yes, you. Who else would I be talking to? Greenben replied.

I thought I recognize someone with you, said Sandy.

Well, whomever you are looking for is not here, said Greenben firmly.

I m sorry. I will be on my way then, said Sandy. He apologized again and turned in the

opposite direction.

Yeah, you do that! piped Muddy as he walked away.

I don t think he saw my face with the hat on, said Gloomy, relieved.

Good, let s keep going, suggested Greenben.

It started getting dark as they traveled to Dirtville. Everyone was growing tired and

cranky.

This suit is hot, said Charlie.


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I know, Charlie, but it is for your own protection, said Muddy.

I am sweating in here! he whined.

We only have a few blocks to go before we reach Greenben s house, said Gloomy.

Just a little while longer . . .

Fine, Charlie muttered.

Finally, they reached Greenben s house.

Oh, my! What is that rotten smell? asked Mr. Cleanit.

What smell? asked Muddy.

You don t smell that bad odor? Mr. Cleanit cried.

What are you talking about? This the way we live, said Greenben casually.

I don t think I can go inside your house . . . said Mr. Cleanit. Look at all the garbage

in your yard. I can only imagine what the inside of your house looks like! said Mr.

Cleanit.


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Okay! Okay! Can we please just go inside before someone finds us? begged Charlie.

Mr. Cleanit sighed dramatically and nodded. Fine . . .

Greenben unlocked the door and opened it for everyone to go in. As soon as they all

entered, Greenben quickly closed it and locked it again.

It was hot wearing that suit! said Charlie, peeling out of it as fast as he could.

Suddenly, there was a loud thud. Everyone whipped around to see what fell.

Muddy gasped. Mr. Cleanit! Mr. Cleanit, wake up! she cried.

What happened to him? asked Greenben.

I think he fainted . . . said Muddy.

Go get some water from the kitchen, Charlie, said Green

Mom,There is a Hole Under My Bed

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