Rats In The Roof

• Isla Crowther, Grade 4
• Short Story
• 2020

Bam! Scrabble scrabble! A pesky noise came from behind the wall. “What was that?!” I squealed. “ Oh, I do not know Sheila!” Mum groaned. I ran to the phone, picked it up and dialled in grandpa’s number. I skimmed the story over to him and the first thing he said was “RATS!” A shiver ran down my spine.
****
My whiskers quivered, there was pounding in front of me, though I couldn’t see. It was so dark. I was lost in some small, dark, wooden place. I scurried round, feeling my way out.
****
That night, I dragged my mattress outside. I would not take any chances with ratty. It was cool outside and not a vermin in sight.
****
My fur burned with fear. I climbed on pieces of splintery wood, scrambling onto metal. My little heart pounded. Listening to loud screams is frightful. It was night and I scurried to a piece of wood and slipped behind so the giant couldn’t get me.
****
When I woke next morning I got up quickly, dusting off for rats. I went inside, making a rat free breakfast. Mum called pest control first thing. I went to my room and listened to rat’s frightful scratches. “He must just want to get out.” I thought. “He isn’t harmful…Maybe he isn’t too bad…” I ran downstairs. Mum was sprawled on the lounge.
“Good news.” Mum smiled. “Pest control has poisoned our rat.” She said it proudly.
“WHAT!” I cried angrily. I was beginning to like Mr Ratty. Fat, salty tears rolled down my cheeks.
****
I smelt something whisker-licking good in the air. My nose twitched. I nibbled at the food that smelt so good. Suddenly I felt thirsty. I scurried around for a drink. I found a big splashing pool. I jumped in, slurping the cool, fresh water. But I was sinking, I could not breathe, I choked. I had eaten poison! I closed my eyes.
****
I sat sadly on the lounge missing Mr Ratty. I wanted to be friends with him. Suddenly I heard: “Scratch, scurry!”
“Mr Ratty Junior!” I squealed.
This time I wasn’t telling Mum.