Never Trust Mice Or P***y

A man learns a terrible secret the may destroy humanity.

Ok. Here it goes. I don't think I have much time left before they catch up with me. My name is Josh. I’ve tried for months to just lay low and keep my mouth shut but I don’t think they care. Anyone who knows what I do is a threat to them. I guess I’ll have to accept my eventual fate. They’ll have to work hard to get me though. I’ll not lay down and die for the likes of them.

It all started 6 months ago. I was working at this little pet store in the mall. It was an ok job. “Just keep them fed.” the owner, Mr Shultz, said. He didn’t tell me much of anything else. I wish I had enough sense to ask more questions. Everything went great the first couple of weeks. I’d get to the shop at 5 am and start feeding all the animals. After a couple of weeks I had learned everyone’s routine pretty well. Mr Shultz would always show up at 5 am on the dot to let me in. He would go to his office, make coffee and take care of his paperwork. John, the cashier would show up around 7:30 am to get everything ready and open the store.. It was the exact same thing everyday, like clockwork.

After a couple weeks Mr Schultz showed up at exactly 5 am like usual. I started to get out of my car while he was opening the door but before I could get out, I saw two men wearing long trench coats and dark hats approach Mr Shultz. They spoke quietly to him and he quickly locked the door back and got in their car. The car sped off leaving me clueless to the event that just occurred. Mr Schultz never returned that day. When he showed up at 5 am the next day he never said anything or even let on like anything had happened. From that day on Mr Shultz would receive random calls and quickly disappear, not returning until the next day. When I would approach his desk he would cover his papers so they wouldn’t be seen. He would behave very secretively.

One day I was cleaning. Doing the usual chores when I noticed a document that had fallen to the floor from Mr Shultz desk. It was marked “Top secret” in red on the top. At first I hesitated, but curiosity won out over reason. I slipped the document onto my cart and kept sweeping. When I had finished my work I found a quiet spot to read it. When I was finished I looked up and thought, “This is a prank. Why would there be a top secret document in a pet shop? Not to mention what it says is ludicrous. Who would believe such a thing.” I quietly took it back to Mr Schultz's desk and placed it back where I found it.

I had been working at the pet store for just over three months. Mr Shultz had given me more responsibility than just feeding the animals. He put me on the floor greeting customers and answering questions. One afternoon a man walked into the pet shop . He struck me as a bit out of place for some reason but I couldn’t put my finger on what was out of place. He walked up and introduced himself. He was polite and began asking questions. ”Do you know anything about cats?” He asked. I told him for some reason we didn’t sell cats at this pet store but I gave him the standard information you would give a customer about cats. Then he started asking about mice. Asking how well they got along. I told him oddly enough, we don’t sell mice either. I Explained to him that cats and mice have hated each other since the dawn of time. After asking me all these strange questions he simply says thank you, turns and leaves by the front door.

It was a very unsettling encounter especially since I had seen that “Top Secret” document that had fallen from Mr Schultz's desk. I thought it must be a prank but this guy asking these questions puzzled me. I ran all the past events of the last few months over and over in my head. I thought about what that document had said. I suddenly realized I needed to start running and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.

The “Top Secret” document I had accidentally stumbled onto outlined the government’s experiments to weaponize the Toxoplasmosa. A parasite found in the gut of cats that can take control of a mouse’s mind and allows the cat to eat it. It sounded impossible, a tall tale, but after I did a little research, I realized it was a real thing. Then I thought about the pet shop not selling cats or mice. Very odd. Once I factored in Mr Schultz’s behavior it all fell into place.

The top secret documents had detailed government experiments that had gone array. While experimenting with the parasite it mutated. It did something to both the cats and mice that made them get along. They became friends and had made the decision to take their place as leaders on this planet. This parasite no longer had a mission. Cats didn’t want mice to eat now, so what was it going to do? The cats and mice explained their evil plot and the parasites agreed to cooperate. The parasites would start taking control of the human population and make them slaves. Haven’t you ever gone to the grocery store and bought cheese even though you already had some at home? Of course you have. You’re infected. Almost everyone is. Cats and mice can’t let this information get out. They know they can still be stopped if their timing isn’t just right.

They’ve been after me for months. I didn’t think anyone would believe me so I’ve stayed quiet. I don’t have much time left, so I had to tell someone just in case something could be done. They are controlling people in all walks of life. First they took over the police department. Then they worked their way up through the government. The president is even a puppet. Controlled by mice and p***y. You can trust no one. I’m leaving this here around this dog's neck for someone to find. Cats, mice, not even their lackeys will mess with dogs. They may be our country’s, even the world’s, only hope.
Good luck. I’m done for.

Days later, Josh’s body was found. He had overdosed on catnip. The police ruled it a suicide but we know the truth. Remember, whatever you do, don’t turn your back on mice and definitely not p***y. Their coming to get you,

The end

Reviews

[Christina J. Barker]

The author exhibits an outstanding mastery of language, skillfully merging narrative techniques with deep thematic exploration. The integration of symbolism and imagery not only enriches the story but also encourages readers to explore its underlying meanings. The pacing is finely tuned, creating a narrative that builds tension effectively, while the character development remains complex and convincing.