Plague Rats

Plague Rats



A plague was killing rats. Gnarled, twisted, tumor stricken bodies littered wharfs, gutters, and then city streets, suburb attics, basements, country homes and barns.

One touch of the bloody cadavers caused death. The mass burning of bodies emitted a fume so toxic it killed when inhaled. Rat and human locked together in a death dance. Scientists checked carcasses for pesticides, herbicides, toxins, additives, preservatives, pollution, mercury, and found the species rattled by a cumulative effect.

Hardy vermin, once thought to be the species able to withstand nuclear attacks could not survive its habitat.

Panicked people donned masks and protective gear but it couldn’t save them. The plague rats would kill them. If they didn’t, the environment would.

Word Count: 120