By the tube where the town's sewer ends in a bay with no name a mother rate sat enjoying the afternoon sun. Thinking of her life, she was quite proud had eleven babies six of they had survived to be healthy rats. She was also quite full an embryo had floated her way, she had much to be thankful for, and deep in her consciousness there was a stirring perhaps there was redemption for rats. She heard human voice people like to come here killing rats, into the tube of filth she went and, anyway, her babies still needed her for warmth against the unforgiving night.