The outmatched mouse squeaked in pain when sharp claws raked flesh from the long tail as the tiny rodent fled. The cat produced a rumbling growl, irritation at the failure to capture its prey.
The little white mouse, given additional motivation by the pain from the brush with the feline's claws, dashed into a murky chasm that opened at the base of the kitchen wall. A long, claw-tipped paw thrust into the hole, scraping against the wooden walls but unable to make contact with a huddled, frightened mouse.
When the cat lost interest after repeated attempts to explore the mouse hole with its paws, it wandered from the room, leaving the kitchen area free of the scent that triggered cautious feelings into the hidden rodent. Nevertheless, its bleeding tail convinced the rodent to remain within the wall, out of reach of the fierce predator.
Of course, the Chronivac necessary for restoring Nathan to his human form was quite beyond reach along as his rodent form lurked within the tunnels and cavities of the wall in his own home. Would the unfortunate teenager overcome the mouse's instincts and use enough human ingenuity to rescue himself?