Cruel and Unusual Punishment: Tales From the Grave

He was out there, I could smell him. Each night I'd walk slowly and skillfully across the wire - it was a gamble, I know, but to see those eyes bugged out and bodies tense - it was O' so worth it. It had a sidekick; though I'm not sure which of the two was most hideous. The one was not much bigger than me, in fact, it might have passed as one of my relatives to one of the bigger creatures that stood next to it."

As I would get closer, I could see the goods - and the two creatures down below. They didn't scare me. I was told by the clan that I was the most clever of the bunch, and the quickest I might add.

Why did those creatures make that noise?  Were they cheering? Maybe they thought I was the best as well. No, No, I knew better - they wanted to kill me - they got Joe, poor Joe, he didn't know what hit him. The temptation was too much and he caved. But not me, I didn't need the goodies, I just liked to taunt the creatures. You know; get a little close, give them a show. Beside, they looked ridiculous - the little one jumped up and down with a pierce that wakes the dead. (Trust me.)  The bigger one seemed a bit more crazed - its voice was much deeper and that thing it kept pushing my way did get intimidating. Still, the only way to the mother-lode was on that wire, and if was going to succeed, I had to pass by those creatures. So why not have a little fun with them along the way? It became a nightly routine, one I became comfortable with in time. Perhaps too comfortable looking back.  When I really wanted to mess with them, I'd take the treat that was placed on the snare just below the wire. That's when the two creatures really went crazy! HAHAHA! Again and again my speed won out. They were left in what some humans call a tizzy.

That last night something was different. I should have known. The scent rose just above the wire. It was strong and inviting. I hadn't seen the creatures;  I thought for sure, they grew tired and I had won the battle. I jumped off the wire and onto the wall next to the snare. I glanced around - no creatures in sight. The temptation was much too strong.  Still, I was quite clever...and speed was on my side...

SNAP!

Joe...is that you?

_______

Pride always goes before a fall - especially for rats.