title: Animals in my Room
author:  Alexandra Welch-Zerba 
description: <b><i>Wishing every child the wonders of a magical dream.</i></b>
zlib_text: 
  
  
  ![Image](../images/9781534445673.jpg)
  
  
  ![Image](../images/f0iii-01.jpg)
  
  
  ![Image](../images/title.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## Chapter One
  
  
  ## The Escape
  
  
  The light from Dr. Zara’s lab was a bright spot in the dark research facility
  deep in the basement of Burnish Industries. She sat at her desk with Duchess,
  her pet jerboa, perched on her shoulder. The white rodent’s tiny ears twitched
  at the sound of the squawks and twitters coming from the lab animals in the
  neighboring rooms.
  
  
  Dr. Zara tapped a pen on her desk as she spoke on the phone in a crisp British
  accent.
  
  
  “Yes, Mr. Burnish, the venue is completely sold out,” she assured him. “This
  is the most important discovery of the century and everyone wants to see it.”
  
  
  She spun around in her chair, putting her back to the door.
  
  
  “Yes, the press will be there,” she continued. “This is your big day, Mr.
  Burnish. You won’t be disappointed. I promise.”
  
  
  Duchess wrinkled her nose and turned to face the door. Her black eyes widened
  and sh