Mongoose

A Story by Wisconsin

I was cornered in a dark alley by a gang of the most evil and dangerous critters of all... Ten year old children.

They were advancing, and I knew I was in trouble. There was no more room to back up, noplace to hide, nobody I could turn to.

One of them was afraid they were going to far, chasing me down like this. He tried to act as the weak voice of reason, but there was no conch. "Maybe we should let him go..."

Their leader disagreed, "Nah! Look at him, we've got him cornered. Everyone knows cornered animals are the least dangerous kind."

Suddenly a mongoose came the street behind, bleached in sunlight, biting at their ankles, chasing them away, and I was free to walk out into the light and continue my day.