from "Cat 'n' Mouse," by Steven Millhauser

"The mouse is sitting in his armchair with his chin in his hand, looking off into the distance with a melancholy expression. He is thoughtful by temperment, and he is distressed at the necessity of interrupting his meditations for the daily search of food. The search is wearying and absurd in itself...If only the mouse could stay in his hole, he would be happy, but he cannot stay in his hole, because of the need to find cheese. It is not a situation calculated to produce the peace of mind conducive to contemplation."

not only do i understand the mouse, but that last sentence is really pretty.