Clever Magazine, Vol IV, #1, "The Chase" (www.clevermag.com)

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The Chase
by Joyce Wade

Mick was on the run. His whole life had been this way; barely staying one step ahead of The Authorities. Even in his younger days, because he was small, he referred to people as The Authorities. They were in charge most of the time, and he blamed his small stature for this consequence. He'd gotten himself out of many tight spots before, but this was beginning to look awfully bleak. Along about day three, he knew he was in real trouble. He'd been in many jams before, but this could be the one he wouldn't squeak out of.

Mick decided it was best to lay low during the day. When night came, he felt more at ease, and moved about, checking things out in the dark. He was used to being out in the big, wide world, but now he found himself in someplace strange. Where was he anyway? He thought maybe he'd slipped into a sort of Twilight Zone, for nothing felt the same. The smells were even different, and he was alone.

As he searched for his family, he especially longed to see his brother, Mighty. He was always big for his age, and therefore was nicknamed Mighty. Sometimes, while waiting for darkness, he lay thinking about his situation. Could he have entered the infamous black hole, lost in space, never to find his way back home again?

Food was becoming a problem. Because he was hiding out during the day, when it got dark and he felt safe, he began his search. It meant stealing, for he had no money. Looking everywhere, and creeping in one door after another, it appeared futile. Mick became a vegetarian a long time ago. It seemed to suit his life style and in fact, it was a genetic trait. Both his mom and dad had also gone veggie. Now, his belly longed for something, but he couldn't put his finger on it. He continually came up empty handed. He thought, there must be something to eat somewhere in this never-never land.

As the days went by, a feeling of persecution began to set in. As he lurked around in this strange new place, he swore he saw shadows. Maybe they weren't shadows at all. Could the shadows be The Authorities that frightened him as a youngster?

He wondered, Am I becoming schizophrenic?

He found himself moving quicker and quicker, as though he was being chased. His persecution complex led him to think a trap had been set, and he was heading straight into it. What was happening? Why was he running in circles, getting no where fast? His brain seemed so small in these new surroundings. He could hardly think straight.

To make matters worse, his mouth was constantly parched. He desperately needed water. But where? Just a day or two ago in broad daylight, he thought he'd seen something like a pool of water, but as he ran toward it, it vanished. It was nothing more than a mirage, almost like a window.

The further he searched, the more paranoid he was becoming. He swore he heard footsteps, coming closer, and closer. Darting quickly into a closet, he found himself surrounded by cleaning supplies.

When things settled down a bit, he got his courage up and peeked out. It appeared to be safe. He barely stuck his head out, turning left and right, when he spied it. There it was, food! Maybe it was cake; it was hard to tell. Straining to see just what it was, it appeared to be yellow, maybe cheese, served up beautifully on a small, wooden pallet with lovely copper trim. Very attractive, yes indeed, maybe it was cheddar? Or brie, his favorite. He personally preferred crackers with his cheese, but at this point, anything would do.

He hunkered down on all fours, so not be seen, and very quietly, peered this way and that. The coast was clear. He uttered quietly, under his breath, "Feet, don't fail me now." Then, with a mighty push, like a runner out of the blocks, he went for it. The surface he crossed was slippery, and something caught his eye, just to his right! Holy Smokes! It was The Authorities! He heard one of them yell, which only made him run faster. His legs were moving fast as a propeller as he made his getaway.

"What was that?" the voice boomed. And just as quickly, The Other Authority screamed, "WE'VE GOT A MOUSE IN THE HOUSE!"