What has happened to Lennie's mouse? quote

Lennie's mouse died as a result of overzealous petting on Lennie's part. He loves too hard and doesn't know his own strength. Lennie, of course, tries to deny his part in its death.

"I ain't got nothin', George. Honest."

"Come on, give it here."

Lennie held his closed hand away from George's direction. "It's on'y a mouse, George."

"A mouse? A live mouse?"

"Uh-uh. Jus' a dead mouse, George. I didn't kill it. Honest! I found it. I found it dead."