Living in the Shadows

by Kait Leonard

The small rat slithers so quickly up the pole of the bird feeder that I jerk, startled, not sure what I expected to see. I left the food earlier, when the sun shone high above. I knew the rats would not come out until dusk, for that is our way. Business is conducted in the shadows. The young rat will eat to its fill. It makes me happy seeing something so young, and loved, and cared for.

6S

Kait Leonard's stories have been published in Every Day Fiction, Flash Fiction Magazine, PS I Love You, and Fewer Than 500. She is also a freelance journalist and writing coach.