Part 2My Landlord Added Me to the Pets-Only Group Chat

I got home late from an interview that hadn’t gone well.

The moment I flipped on the light, a black shadow darted across the living room floor. My breath caught in my throat. I crouched down to look under the coffee table, and a huge rat shot out, heading straight for my feet.

A scream tore out of me as I scrambled onto the coffee table, my heart hammering against my ribs. Panicked, I fumbled for my phone and typed a desperate plea into the only local group I was in.

[There's a rat in my apartment! Does anyone know a reliable pest control service that can come RIGHT NOW? This is an emergency! Please help!]

[A rat? What's a rat?]

[It's one of those fast squeaky toys. My dad won't let me play with them.]

[Are you new here? I haven't seen you before. Why is your avatar a person? What species is your owner?]

My avatar can't be a person? What species is your owner?

My mind was reeling, but the frantic squeaking from under the sofa sent a fresh wave of terror through me. I didn't have time to process the weirdness. I immediately opened a browser, searching for 24/7 exterminators.

Just then, a notification. Someone had tagged me in the chat.

AAA Pest Control: Leo:

[Two cans. Non-negotiable. Immediate service.]

[I'm at your door. Let me in. Meow.]

That fast?

I slid off the coffee table, crept to the door, and opened it. The hallway was empty. As I started to close it, a soft meow drew my eyes downward.

A handsome tabby cat sat there, paws tucked neatly together, looking up at me expectantly.

An insane, impossible thought sparked in my mind.

"Are you... AAA Pest Control: Leo?"