A Taste of M.I.C-K.E.Y M-O-U-S-E

A little taste of four souls on the edge of despair. One magical encounter that changes everything.

At Disneyland, where wishes are meant to come true, Rose dons the Mickey Mouse costume one last time before her planned suicide. Behind the iconic mask, she carries the weight of an unwanted pregnancy and a shattered relationship. As she prepares to say goodbye to the world, an unexpected visitor arrives at the park gates.

Five-year-old Emily, her body ravaged by Spinal Muscular Atrophy, communicates only through her expressive brown eyes. Having outlived doctors' predictions by years, she arrives at Disneyland on her Make-A-Wish trip, clutching her Mickey Mouse toy and wearing mouse ears atop her golden curls. Her mother Catherine, devoted yet secretly planning to join her daughter in death once Emily passes, wheels her through the entrance.

By extraordinary coincidence, pop superstar Britney Spears is also at the park that day, filming a video while contemplating joining the "27 Club" after public humiliation and heartbreak. When Mickey spots Emily and presents her with forbidden flowers from the display garden, the cameraman captures a moment of pure magic that transforms all four lives.

This heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful story explores how brief human connections can provide healing when we need it most. Through one spontaneous act of kindness, Rose finds reason to live, Catherine discovers peace, Britney gains perspective, and Emily experiences the perfect final day.

Listen as we explore this powerful story about finding meaning and connection even in our darkest moments. What unexpected encounters have changed your life? Share your stories with us and remember that sometimes the most profound impacts come from the briefest meetings.

 This story is available in the anthology Voice Within: A Storybook by Storytellers Edition II.