Aurora 2021 Mag

Maverick Schmidt

CAT

(Laughs maniacally.) Aha! I knew it. I knew it! I was right about you all along, little rat! (He taunts THE BEAST, it screams and writhes.) DOG I can’t believe it. Wait, what’s that on his mouth? Oh my god, is that blood? CAT Worse—tomato. (DOG gasps.) Exactly. Now, wait here and stay on him. I’ll be right back. (DOG watches as CAT exits. In the moment that DOG takes his eyes off THE BEAST, the vermin darts back into its cage and burrows under the blankets. CAT yells in frustration as he scrambles back towards the cage, DOG follows.) CAT

Damn it all!

DOG

My god, it’s so fast.

CAT When I say stay on him I mean stay on him! DOG I’m sorry, I— CAT Never mind. Stay here and do not take your eyes off him.

(CAT begins grabbing garlic and setting it up around the cage.) DOG

What are you doing?

CAT

Making sure it stays put.

71