I remember reaching my hand out towards someone but who? No one came to mind. Everything was blank. Everything was dark.

Nothingness consumed me. And for a while, I believed that my existence had ceased.

I had no memory of who I was or what I was doing. Why was I here? What was my purpose? These questions and many more filled my mind.

Suddenly, a flash of a tail appeared in my mind. A sense of annoyance was triggered within.

I felt my heart. It beat fast. Faster. And faster yet. A ringing pierced my skull.

My limbs; my hands, legs, and head. I could feel them again.

I opened my eyes, and Suddenly I remembered who I was.

Rage filled me as the mocking faces of a certain mouse ran around my vision. Taunting me with his goofy ‘I told you so smile’.

Damn it Dave!

Screw you!

He had been right. We had walked straight into a trap, and it was all my fault.

I grabbed the edge of the bathtub and steadied myself. It took a further minute for me to see straight and stand without support. This was quicker than I had hoped. The stupid Daves slowly began to fade too.

I should have listened to him. As much as I tried to dislike him, he had grown on me, and now that he needed me, I had no intention of letting him down.

I needed help, and there was one person who I knew I could rely on, sweet Mary. Rushing through the room, I paid no attention to the shards of wood and splinters strewn across the floor. I ran down the stairs and straight to the counter as fast as my legs could carry me.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

‘’Mary, I need your help!’’ I shouted while slamming a fist on the counter.

A moment later, the door behind the counter swung open and Mary walked through. Her hair billowed in the cool breeze as she swung her head from side to side, her movements oddly slow and hypnotic… snap out of it. Now is not the time.

Mary turned and looked at me raising an eyebrow, ‘’Everything ok?’’ she asked.

No, of course not, you beautiful fool. I couldn’t say that to her, so I carefully chose my words.

‘’Maaey, mouse boom.’’ Pull yourself together man, I told myself slapping my cheeks.

Mary looked at me like I was crazy.

Taking a moment to compose myself, I took a deep inhale and tried again.

I pointed toward the room, gestured an explosion using my hands, and then mimed mouse ears to represent Dave. Mary seemed to be nodding along so I continued.

When I finally finished, Mary smiled and told me not to worry. Everything will be fine.

‘’How?’’ I finally spoke. I was confused. She seemed so calm given my clear distress and the severity of the situation.

‘’There’s no need to worry. Your master is just a little occupied. You could say that you'll be free of him soon.’’ Her lips twisted into a sinister grin. It lasted only a moment and quickly returned to a normal smile.

‘’And the two of us will be able to enjoy dinner together soon?’’

The two of us?

My eyes darted to the destroyed room up the stairs and then to Mary, the realization began to slowly dawn on me. Mary hadn’t wanted me. She had wanted Dave all along. She had never been smiling at me. It was him the whole time. This strange town … The people here love mice! How was this happening? How! How could I ever think that I had a chance with someone like Mary?

I felt a tear form in the corner of my eye. My heart began to crumble and in it’s place a dark stone wall began to take its place.

Damn you, Dave! I’ll get you for this!

He was a mouse, and even now, in this world, he was stealing the women I loved right from under my nose… literally. That damn 3-inch fool.

My blood began to boil once more. Dave, I promised, I’ll get you for this.

Mary noticed the change in my expression and seemed to frown.

‘’Liam, …’’

Her words faded as I turned to head towards the exit. I needed time to myself. As I reached the door, something struck me in the back of the head, and I passed out.

I hated this world. It seemed like passing out was quickly becoming my favorite hobby.