The Trap Tightens

Chapter Four

[00:09] You:

Maya… I don’t know where to go. Every shadow looks like them.

[00:09] Maya:

Stay under the streetlight. Don’t go into any dark alleys.

[00:09] Unknown Number:

Smart advice. But lights don’t save little mice. Cats see better in the dark.

[00:10] You:

Why are you doing this??

[00:10] Unknown Number:

Because you make it fun.

The way you breathe fast. The way your hands shake when you type.

I can almost hear your heartbeat.

[00:11] You:

You’re sick.

[00:11] Unknown Number:

Maybe. Or maybe I’m the only one who really sees you.

[00:11] Maya:

Don’t listen to that psycho. Keep moving. Where’s the police car??

[00:12] You:

Nowhere. Streets are empty.

[00:12] Unknown Number:

Of course they’re empty. I cleared the path for you.

[00:12] You:

What does that mean??

[00:13] Unknown Number:

Level six: Choice.

Left—toward the park.

Right—toward the church.

Pick one, little mouse.

[00:13] You:

No. I’m not playing anymore.

[00:13] Unknown Number:

You already are.

[00:14] Maya:

Go RIGHT. Churches usually have cameras outside. More chance someone sees you.

[00:14] You:

Okay—turning right—

**[00:14] [Footsteps echo behind. Fast. Heavy.]

[00:15] You:

OH GOD SOMEONE’S FOLLOWING ME.

[00:15] Maya:

RUN!!

[00:15] Unknown Number:

Cute little sprint. You’re faster than I thought.

[00:16] You:

STOP FOLLOWING ME!!!

[00:16] Unknown Number:

But chasing you is the best part. Mice always squeal loudest when cornered.

[00:16] You:

Where ARE you??!!

[00:17] Unknown Number:

Closer than you think.

**[00:17] [Notification: 1 New Photo Received]

[00:17] You:

No…

[00:17] Maya:

What is it??

[00:18] You:

It’s me. Right now. Under this exact streetlight.

The picture was taken SECONDS ago.

[00:18] Maya:

That means—they’re watching you RIGHT NOW.

[00:18] Unknown Number:

I like how the light hits your face. Pale. Frightened.

Beautiful.

[00:19] You:

Why me?? Out of everyone—why are you doing this to me??

[00:19] Unknown Number:

Because little mice are rare.

Everyone else pretends to be brave.

You’re honest enough to show your fear.

[00:20] Maya:

Ignore them. Just keep running.

[00:20] You:

No, Maya, you don’t get it… they don’t just see me. They KNOW me.

[00:21] Unknown Number:

Level seven: Confession.

Say it, little mouse.

Say you need me.

[00:21] You:

I’ll NEVER say that.

[00:21] Unknown Number:

Then I’ll come closer until you do.

**[00:22] [Noise: A second set of footsteps joins the first. Two different paces now.]

[00:22] You:

…Maya. There’s TWO of them.

[00:22] Maya:

WHAT?? Oh my god oh my god—hide! GET SOMEWHERE PUBLIC!!

[00:23] You:

There’s no one outside. All the shops are closed.

[00:23] Unknown Number:

Two cats. One mouse.

Do you know how that ends?

[00:24] You:

Leave me alone!!

[00:24] Unknown Number:

Never.

**[00:24] [Notification: 1 New Photo Received]

[00:25] You:

…what the hell.

[00:25] Maya:

What is it??

[00:25] You:

It’s a picture of me… but not just me.

There’s a shadow.

Right behind me.

[00:26] Unknown Number:

Turn around, little mouse.

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