When the elevator doors closed, they began to descend into the concept that was built underground. Each level before they other was more secure than the one before. On the eighth floor, security was extremely tight and high-tech. Baudelaire stepped over to the elevator wall and stared at a mark on the wall “Welcome FBI Agent Baudelaire. Please hold your right-hand up to the scanner, Thank you, your security level has been recognized. You may now exit the elevator with your guests,” said an android-sounding voice over the loud speakers in the elevator,
As soon as the elevator doors opened, three men dressed in hazmat suits were waiting for them. One of the men in the hazmat suits stepped forward and took Rocky from Baudelaire, he then proceeded down the hallway to a secured door. He looked at a spot on the wall and then did the palm scan. “Your guest and yourself must wait while we conduct tests on John Doe. I’ll show you to the waiting room,” The door opened up and the hazmat suit wearing man began to walk through it. Rocky began to cry. He was awake from his nap and now was feeling scared. “You have better not hurt him in any way, or you’ll have me to answer to,” said Shadow as she wiped away tears. Just then the two other men in the hazmat suits said to Baudelaire and Shadow, “Come with us. We will show you to the waiting room…”
The blue, sedan Volvo sped though the twisting and winding road. Shadow and Rocky sat in the backseat each had black hoods on their heads, so as not to know where they were going, Suddenly, the Volvo came to a halt. Two people emerged from a building and headed toward the car. One grabbed Rocky and the other took Shadow by the hand and led them inside. Once inside, Baudelaire led Shadow and Rocky to an elevator. When the elevator arrived, Baudelaire who was holding Rocky led Shadow into the elevator. Once inside, Baudelaire removed the hoods from Rocky and Shadow. “You don’t have to wear these anymore,” he said. Baudelaire then his button number eight. Instead of going up, the elevator went down. Shadow realized they were going to go 8 floors underground.
Upon reaching the 8th floor, Dan met Baudelaire at the elevator. Baudelaire had called Dan and let him know they would be arriving at the base shortly. “Is this the John Doe?” asked Dan. “His name is Rocky,” said Shadow with sarcasm. “Who’s this?” said Dan to Baudelaire. “It’s his sister. She insisted on coming. She’s harmless,” said Baudelaire. “You hurt my brother and you’ll see how harmless I can be,” said Shadow angrily.
With that,” Dan took Rocky from Baudelaire’s arms and placed him in his. He pulled the blanket back and saw the horns. His eyes glazed over with shock. “Well, they look real,” said Dan while scratching his head. “I’ll take him back to the Infectious Disease Specialist now, so they can conduct tests on him and determine what happened,” continued Dan as he turned his back to Baudelaire and shadow and walked to a panel in the wall that then proceeded to scan his iris. Moments later, hidden doors opened and he stepped through only to disappear when the doors closed…
“Knock, knock,” Baudelaire, knocked strongly on Thom and Shadow’s apartment door. Shadow answered the door, “Hi, Bo. What did you find out?” “Well, you’re not going to like this. I need to bring Rocky to the base. They don’t believe it. They need to see him in person,” said Baudelaire. “You’re not taking Rocky to some lab that caused this. Rocky will not be hurt by the FBI. What if they start performing tests on him that hurts him? He already has been through so much. I won’t allow it,” said Shadow with a firm voice. “I’m afraid you don’t have much of a say in this,” said Baudelaire. “If I don’t take him, they’ll just send some other agent with legal documents to take him in,” said Baudelaire. “I’m sorry,” he added. “Can you please get Rocky now?” he said. “I won’t forgive you if they hurt him,” said Shadow starting to walk toward the living room where Rocky slept.
“Rocky, you need to wake up. Baudelaire needs to take you to the base station where you got the vaccine,” said Shadow trying to hold back her tears. “I promise you won’t be hurt,” said Shadow hating that she may be lying to him as she gently picked him up. She then walked to the front door where Baudelaire stood waiting. “Can you get a blanket to cover his horns,” said Bauldeiare. Shadow handed Rocky to Baudelaire and then turned and walked to the hall closet that had extra blankets in it. She grabbed one and then returned to the front door. Baudelaire wrapped Rocky in the Blanket and then proceeded to walk to his car. Shadow at the last moment said, “I’m going,” Baudelaire said, “Fine.”
As Shadow stepped into the car, Buldelaire handed her a black hood. “You know the drill. Put it on,” said Baudelaire who then started the car engine and began to drive back to the secret base…
Baudelaire dashed to his blue Volvo sedan. He could not fathom nor believe that rocky had grown horns from the vaccine. However, there was no denying what he just witnessed. “What could have gone wrong?” he thought.
Once he was in his car, he sped up to the Los Angles hills to the base station run by the FBI. En route to the FBI base station, he called his friend, Dan, the Lab Director to inform him he was bringing samples and pictures of the effect the vaccine had on a patient. “Hello Dan, I’m calling from the road. I have just witnessed an extreme side-effect from the vaccine. I’m still struggling with what I just witnessed. I think you will too. Based on this incident, the Center for Disease Control should be informed and all vaccinations should come to a halt,” said Baudelaire, still shaken by what he had seen, “What you are saying is very troubling. What exactly do you have?” said Dan doubting it. couldn’t be that bad. “I don’t think telling you over the phone will fully show how bad this is if it spreads,” Show and tell is necessary for you to understand the full implications of this side-effect. I should be there in an hour, give or take. You’ll see then ‘“ said Baudelaire.
Back in Reseda, Shadow in the meantime was trying to calm Rocky down. “Rocky I’m sure Baudelaire will fix this, and you will be back to normal in no time,” said Shadow as she held him making sure not to poke out her eyes by Rocky’s horns.
Baudelaire rushed through the doors leading to the lab that gave Rocky the vaccine, Once in, made a bee-line toward Dan’s office, “I’m here,” said Baudelaire to Dan who was running tests for other projects. “Ok, give me a minute. I’m just about done here,” said Dan. “I’ll be in your office,” said Baudelaire. Baudelaire turned around and made his way to Dan’s office.
“Ok, Baudelairele let’s see what you have,” said Dan as he walked to his desk then sat down in his big, black, leather, adjustable chair. Baudelaire dug into the front pocket of his trousers to retrieve his cell phone. He then found the pictures he took of Rocky’s horns and handed over his cell phone to Dan. “What is this some kind of joke, Baudelaire?” Where did you find the makeup artist? It’s a good job,” said Dan. “This isn’t a joke. It’s real. I just saw it in person. I have samples of the horns also. Here, you go,” said Baudelaire as he handed Dan the horn samples. “OK, since it’s coming from you, I’ll get my lab personnel to start processing the samples immediately. I request also to see the John Doe this happened to, sooner rather than later,” said Dan. “In other words, go get him and bring him up here ASAP,” said Dan in a demanding tone. Baudelaire left the lab complex and made his way back to Reseda, speeding all the way…
On the ride home, Rocky complained about his arm hurting and feeling queasy. “Will be home soon, Rocky. These are normal reactions to the vaccine. You can lay down when we get home, which will be soon. “We are ten minutes away,” said Baudelaire.
Baudelaire dropped off Shadow and Rocky at home. Rocky immediately went to the couch to lay down. Shadow put a blanket over him and went about her daily errands.
Nightfall came early thought Shadow as she returned back home from her errands. Shadow went to check up on Rocky. She touched his forehead and realized he was burning up. “Rocky wake-up,” said Shadow as she shook him. “What, I’m sleepy. Why are you waking me up,” said Rocky in a sleepy voice. “AAhhhhhh!!! Meow, Meow. Thom, quick, come here! There’s something wrong with Rocky. He has horns, oh lordy,” said Shadow in a high-pitched voice. “Oh lordy!!!” continued Shadow. Thom came running into the room. “What are you going on about?. Rocky doesn’t have hor…Oh My God, he has horns,” said Thom in shock.
Rocky said, “I have horns?!” Rocky touched the top of his head not believing a word they were saying, “AhMEOW, MEOW!! This can’t be,” Rocky looked first at Shadow then Thom. “How, sob, can, sob, this, sob, be,” said Rocky now cry-meowing loudly. “It must be a side-affect from the vaccine, said Thom. “Call the doctor, Shadow. Explain what happened.” In the meantime I want to get a picture of this before it wears off, ” said Thom. Rocky was not amused…
“Hi, is Shadow there?” said Bauldleliare, now performing his FBI role. “Yes, this is she,” said Shadow. Shadow, it’s Bauldelaire. I researched your request for Rocky to get vaccinated for COVID, and I have good news for you. I was able to find a location that can take him. Now, this is highly sensitive information I am about to give you. Please don’t tell anyone about it, even family members,” said Baudelaire. It’s located at (Baudelaire drops his voice and whispers the location into the mouthpiece of the phone.) “Do you understand you must not tell anyone as it would jeopardize the location?” “Yes, I do,” said Shadow Good, I will come by with the exact address tomorrow, Please be prepared to leave when I arrive,” said Baudelaire. “OK,” said Shadow. “Goodnight then, I’ll see you tomorrow around 9:00 AM,” Baudelaire said. “Baudelaire, thank you so much for your help. I appreciate it.” “Anything for my best friend,” said Baudelaire.
Rocky and Shadow went to bed early. Shadow wanted to make sure they got up at 8:00 AM, so they would be ready to head out of the house on time. Rocky was grumpy. “I don’t want to go. I can’t walk. See?” (Rocky walks around the kitchen floor limping.) “You can go. They aren’t putting the shot in your leg. It goes in your forearm. Nice try, though,” said Shadow with a giggle. “I don’t want to go, said Rocky, his voice cracking. Would you rather die of COVID?” said Shadow to him sternly. “No,” said Rocky. Then go get freshened up. Baudelaire should be here in twenty minutes,” said Shadow. Rocky made a point of showing he wasn’t happy when he walked away to head into the bathroom.
Baudelaire arrived on time. “Rocky, Baudelaire is here Come on, let’s go,” said Shadow as she began to make her way to the bathroom. She found Rocky wrapped in a towel shivering. He wasn’t cold. He was afraid. “It’s going to be alright. “Baudelaire and I will be there with you,” said Shadow. With that, she helped Rocky get dry and then led him down the hallway to Baudelaire’s car. Baudelaire was already in the car. “You two need to get in the back seat, turn in your phones to me and wear these black hoods over your head,” said Baudelaire as he handed Rocky and Shadow their hoods. As soon as you have those on, we can leave for our destination,” he said
First, they were driving down a very curvy road then down a straight road going uphill. To Rocky and Shadow, It seemed to take hours before they reached their destination, but in actuality, it was only a half-hour. The hoods were distorting time for both Rocky and Shadow.
Baudelaire stopped the car and got out. He opened the back door to retrieve Rocky and Shadow and to guide them to the testing and vaccination clinic. Baudelaire grabbed both their hands and began to walk straight forward. Rocky could hear the rush of machines. He was getting scared. They went through several doors before Baudelaire pulled their hoods off They were in a sterile waiting room, except no one else was waiting. A nurse came out and handed Rocky paperwork to fill out. Once he was finished he handed the nurse back the paperwork. “Come, Mr. Rocky,” said the nurse who seemed just a little too happy. Rocky felt his legs shake. “Can Shadow come?” asked Rocky as he tried not to faint. “No I’m sorry she can’t,” said the nurse who looked a bit like a mannequin from the caked-on makeup she had applied.
“Please stand on the yellow line, I’ll be right back,” said the mannequin nursey poo,” What seemed like an internity, the nurse returned. She was hiding something behind her back. Rocky was getting more scared by the minute. “Please turn to the side. I need to disinfect your rump before I give you the vaccine,” Rocky did as he was told. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the largest syringe he had ever seen. “Meow, Meow, Meow, said Rocky, tears rolling down his face. “There we are all done. That wasn’t so bad, huh?” “Are you crazy? That was the most painful shot I ever got” “You can go now. We are all done,” said the crazy nurse.
Rocky immediately started to run back to where Baudelaire and Shadow were. When he saw that they hadn’t left him, he began sobbing. “Please, please please, can we leave now,” said Rocky. “Of course, but you need to put your hoods back on,” said Baudelaire. Rocky couldn’t put the hood on fast now, “Can we leave now,” said an anxious Rocky. “Yes, we can leave,” said Baudelaire as he began to guide them back to the car…
“Hi, is Shadow there?” said Bauldleliare, now performing his FBI role. “Yes, this is she,” said Shadow. Shadow, it’s Bauldelaire. I researched your request for Rocky to get vaccinated for COVID, and I have good news for you. I was able to find a location that can take him. Now, this is highly sensitive information I am about to give you. Please don’t tell anyone about it, even family members,” said Baudelaire. It’s located at (Baudelaire drops his voice and whispers the location into the mouthpiece of the phone.) “Do you understand you must not tell anyone as it would jeopardize the location?” “Yes, I do,” said Shadow Good, I will come by with the exact address tomorrow, Please be prepared to leave when I arrive,” said Baudelaire. “OK,” said Shadow. “Goodnight then, I’ll see you tomorrow around 9:00 AM,” Baudelaire said. “Baudelaire, thank you so much for your help. I appreciate it.” “Anything for my best friend,” said Baudelaire.
Rocky and Shadow went to bed early. Shadow wanted to make sure they got up at 8:00 AM, so they would be ready to head out of the house on time. Rocky was grumpy. “I don’t want to go. I can’t walk. See?” (Rocky walks around the kitchen floor limping.) “You can go They aren’t putting the shot in your leg. It goes in your forearm. Nice try, though,” said Shadow with a giggle. “I don’t want to go, said Rocky, his voice cracking. Would you rather die of COVID?” said Shadow to him sternly. “No,” said Rocky. Then go get freshened up. Baudelaire should be here in twenty minutes,” said Shadow. Rocky made a point of showing he wasn’t happy when he walked away to head into the bathroom.
Baudelaire arrived on time. “Rocky, Baudelaire is here Come on, let’s go,” said Shadow as she began to make her way to the bathroom. She found Rocky wrapped in a towel shivering. He wasn’t cold. He was afraid. “It’s going to be alright. “Baudelaire and I will be there with you,” said Shadow. With that, she helped Rocky get dry and then led him down the hallway to Baudelaire’s car. Baudelaire was already in the car. “You two need to get in the back seat, turn in your phones to me and wear these black hoods over your head,” said Baudelaire as he handed Rocky and Shadow their hoods. As soon as you have those on, we can leave for our destination,” he said
First, they were driving down a very curvy road then down a straight road going uphill. To Rocky and Shadow, It seemed to take hours before they reached their destination, but in actuality, it was only a half-hour. The hoods were distorting time for both Rocky and Shadow.
Baudelaire stopped the car and got out. He opened the back door to retrieve Rocky and Shadow and to guide them to the testing and vaccination clinic. Baudelaire grabbed both their hands and began to walk straight forward. Rocky could hear the rush of machines. He was getting scared. They went through several doors before Baudelaire pulled their hoods off They were in a sterile waiting room, except no one else was waiting. A nurse came out and handed Rocky paperwork to fill out. Once he was finished he handed the nurse back the paperwork. “Come, Mr. Rocky,” said the nurse who seemed just a little too happy. Rocky felt his legs shake. “Can Shadow come?” asked Rocky as he tried not to faint. “No I’m sorry she can’t,” said the nurse who looked a bit like a mannequin from the caked-on makeup she had applied.
“Please stand on the yellow line, I’ll be right back,” said the mannequin nursey poo,” What seemed like an internity, the nurse returned. She was hiding something behind her back. Rocky was getting more scared by the minute. “Please turn to the side. I need to disinfect your rump before I give you the vaccine,” Rocky did as he was told. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the largest syringe he had ever seen. “Meow, Meow, Meow, said Rocky, tears rolling down his face. “There we are all done. That wasn’t so bad, huh?” “Are you crazy? That was the most painful shot I ever got” “You can go now. We are all done,” said the crazy nurse.
Rocky immediately started to run back to where Baudelaire and Shadow were. When he saw that they hadn’t left him, he began sobbing. “Please, please please, can we leave now,” said Rocky. “Of course, but you need to put your hoods back on,” said Baudelaire. Rocky couldn’t put the hood on fast now, “Can we leave now,” said an anxious Rocky. “Yes, we can leave,” said Baudelaire as he began to guide them back to the car…
“Hi, is Shadow there?” said Bauldleliare, now performing his FBI role. “Yes, this is she,” said Shadow. Shadow, it’s Bauldelaire. I researched your request for Rocky to get vaccinated for COVID, and I have good news for you. I was able to find a location that can take him. Now, this is highly sensitive information I am about to give you. Please don’t tell anyone about it, even family members,” said Baudelaire. It’s located at (Baudelaire drops his voice and whispers the location into the mouthpiece of the phone.) “Do you understand you must not tell anyone as it would jeopardize the location?” “Yes, I do,” said Shadow Good, I will come by with the exact address tomorrow, Please be prepared to leave when I arrive,” said Baudelaire. “OK,” said Shadow. “Goodnight then, I’ll see you tomorrow around 9:00 AM,” Baudelaire said. “Baudelaire, thank you so much for your help. I appreciate it.” “Anything for my best friend,” said Baudelaire.
Rocky and Shadow went to bed early. Shadow wanted to make sure they got up at 8:00 AM, so they would be ready to head out of the house on time. Rocky was grumpy. “I don’t want to go. I can’t walk. See?” (Rocky walks around the kitchen floor limping.) “You can go They aren’t putting the shot in your leg. It goes in your forearm. Nice try, though,” said Shadow with a giggle. “I don’t want to go, said Rocky, his voice cracking. Would you rather die of COVID?” said Shadow to him sternly. “No,” said Rocky. Then go get freshened up. Baudelaire should be here in twenty minutes,” said Shadow. Rocky made a point of showing he wasn’t happy when he walked away to head into the bathroom.
Baudelaire arrived on time. “Rocky, Baudelaire is here Come on, let’s go,” said Shadow as she began to make her way to the bathroom. She found Rocky wrapped in a towel shivering. He wasn’t cold. He was afraid. “It’s going to be alright. “Baudelaire and I will be there with you,” said Shadow. With that, she helped Rocky get dry and then led him down the hallway to Baudelaire’s car. Baudelaire was already in the car. “You two need to get in the back seat, turn in your phones to me and wear these black hoods over your head,” said Baudelaire as he handed Rocky and Shadow their hoods. As soon as you have those on, we can leave for our destination,” he said
First, they were driving down a very curvy road then down a straight road going uphill. To Rocky and Shadow, It seemed to take hours before they reached their destination, but in actuality, it was only a half-hour. The hoods were distorting time for both Rocky and Shadow.
Baudelaire stopped the car and got out. He opened the back door to retrieve Rocky and Shadow and to guide them to the testing and vaccination clinic. Baudelaire grabbed both their hands and began to walk straight forward. Rocky could hear the rush of machines. He was getting scared. They went through several doors before Baudelaire pulled their hoods off They were in a sterile waiting room, except no one else was waiting. A nurse came out and handed Rocky paperwork to fill out. Once he was finished he handed the nurse back the paperwork. “Come, Mr. Rocky,” said the nurse who seemed just a little too happy. Rocky felt his legs shake. “Can Shadow come?” asked Rocky as he tried not to faint. “No I’m sorry she can’t,” said the nurse who looked a bit like a mannequin from the caked-on makeup she had applied.
“Please stand on the yellow line, I’ll be right back,” said the mannequin nursey poo,” What seemed like an internity, the nurse returned. She was hiding something behind her back. Rocky was getting more scared by the minute. “Please turn to the side. I need to disinfect your rump before I give you the vaccine,” Rocky did as he was told. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the largest syringe he had ever seen. “Meow, Meow, Meow, said Rocky, tears rolling down his face. “There we are all done. That wasn’t so bad, huh?” “Are you crazy? That was the most painful shot I ever got” “You can go now. We are all done,” said the crazy nurse.
Rocky immediately started to run back to where Baudelaire and Shadow were. When he saw that they hadn’t left him, he began sobbing. “Please, please please, can we leave now,” said Rocky. “Of course, but you need to put your hoods back on,” said Baudelaire. Rocky couldn’t put the hood on fast now, “Can we leave now,” said an anxious Rocky. “Yes, we can leave,” said Baudelaire as he began to guide them back to the car…
“Hi, is Shadow there?” said Bauldleliare, now performing his FBI role. “Yes, this is she,” said Shadow. Shadow, it’s Bauldelaire. I researched your request for Rocky to get vaccinated for COVID, and I have good news for you. I was able to find a location that can take him. Now, this is highly sensitive information I am about to give you. Please don’t tell anyone about it, even family members,” said Baudelaire. It’s located at (Baudelaire drops his voice and whispers the location into the mouthpiece of the phone.) “Do you understand you must not tell anyone as it would jeopardize the location?” “Yes, I do,” said Shadow Good, I will come by with the exact address tomorrow, Please be prepared to leave when I arrive,” said Baudelaire. “OK,” said Shadow. “Goodnight then, I’ll see you tomorrow around 9:00 AM,” Baudelaire said. “Baudelaire, thank you so much for your help. I appreciate it.” “Anything for my best friend,” said Baudelaire.
Rocky and Shadow went to bed early. Shadow wanted to make sure they got up at 8:00 AM, so they would be ready to head out of the house on time. Rocky was grumpy. “I don’t want to go. I can’t walk. See?” (Rocky walks around the kitchen floor limping.) “You can go They aren’t putting the shot in your leg. It goes in your forearm. Nice try, though,” said Shadow with a giggle. “I don’t want to go, said Rocky, his voice cracking. Would you rather die of COVID?” said Shadow to him sternly. “No,” said Rocky. Then go get freshened up. Baudelaire should be here in twenty minutes,” said Shadow. Rocky made a point of showing he wasn’t happy when he walked away to head into the bathroom.
Baudelaire arrived on time. “Rocky, Baudelaire is here Come on, let’s go,” said Shadow as she began to make her way to the bathroom. She found Rocky wrapped in a towel shivering. He wasn’t cold. He was afraid. “It’s going to be alright. “Baudelaire and I will be there with you,” said Shadow. With that, she helped Rocky get dry and then led him down the hallway to Baudelaire’s car. Baudelaire was already in the car. “You two need to get in the back seat, turn in your phones to me and wear these black hoods over your head,” said Baudelaire as he handed Rocky and Shadow their hoods. As soon as you have those on, we can leave for our destination,” he said
First, they were driving down a very curvy road then down a straight road going uphill. To Rocky and Shadow, It seemed to take hours before they reached their destination, but in actuality, it was only a half-hour. The hoods were distorting time for both Rocky and Shadow.
Baudelaire stopped the car and got out. He opened the back door to retrieve Rocky and Shadow and to guide them to the testing and vaccination clinic. Baudelaire grabbed both their hands and began to walk straight forward. Rocky could hear the rush of machines. He was getting scared. They went through several doors before Baudelaire pulled their hoods off They were in a sterile waiting room, except no one else was waiting. A nurse came out and handed Rocky paperwork to fill out. Once he was finished he handed the nurse back the paperwork. “Come, Mr. Rocky,” said the nurse who seemed just a little too happy. Rocky felt his legs shake. “Can Shadow come?” asked Rocky as he tried not to faint. “No I’m sorry she can’t,” said the nurse who looked a bit like a mannequin from the caked-on makeup she had applied.
“Please stand on the yellow line, I’ll be right back,” said the mannequin nursey poo,” What seemed like an internity, the nurse returned. She was hiding something behind her back. Rocky was getting more scared by the minute. “Please turn to the side. I need to disinfect your rump before I give you the vaccine,” Rocky did as he was told. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the largest syringe he had ever seen. “Meow, Meow, Meow, said Rocky, tears rolling down his face. “There we are all done. That wasn’t so bad, huh?” “Are you crazy? That was the most painful shot I ever got” “You can go now. We are all done,” said the crazy nurse.
Rocky immediately started to run back to where Baudelaire and Shadow were. When he saw that they hadn’t left him, he began sobbing. “Please, please please, can we leave now,” said Rocky. “Of course, but you need to put your hoods back on,” said Baudelaire. Rocky couldn’t put the hood on fast now, “Can we leave now,” said an anxious Rocky. “Yes, we can leave,” said Baudelaire as he began to guide them back to the car…
Rocky immediately started to run back to where Baudelaire and Shadow were. When he saw that they hadn’t left him, he began sobbing. “Please, please please, can we leave now,” said Rocky. “Of course, but you need to put your hoods back on,” said Baudelaire. Rocky couldn’t put the hood on fast now, “Can we leave now,” said an anxious Rocky. “Yes, we can leave,” said Baudelaire as he began to guide them back to the car…
Rocky immediately started to run back to where Baudelaire and Shadow were. When he saw that they hadn’t left him, he began sobbing. “Please, please please, can we leave now,” said Rocky. “Of course, but you need to put your hoods back on,” said Baudelaire. Rocky couldn’t put the hood on fast now, “Can we leave now,” said an anxious Rocky. “Yes, we can leave,” said Baudelaire as he began to guide them back to the car…
Shadow looked for openings online to get Rocky tested for COVID, but all appointments were taken. Shadow realized she needed to reach out to her friend, Baulderlaire, ambassadog by day and an FBI agent by night. “Hi Baudelaire, I hope you are well. I have a favor to ask,” said Shadow to Baulderliare over the crackling phone line. She continued: “I discovered I have a little brother, Rocky. Yes, I know, shocking considering I was told I was the only survivor of my littler. Turns out I am not. Anyway, he has been living on the streets for the last couple of months. His owner died and relatives would not take him in. Can you believe they pushed out a six-month-old kitten to the streets? Our concern is Rocky may have COVID from living on the streets. I tried to make an appointment for him, but all appointments are booked out for two weeks. Is there any way you can pull strings and get him an appointment?” said Shadow.
As you know, America has been hit hard by the virus. There are not enough testing sites; hence, people are unable to get tested. Since he is a kitten, it is important he get tested and vaccinated.. I’ll see what I can do. In the meantime, self-isolate him and have him wear a mask at all times. I’ll call you when I hear something which might be a couple of days…
Rocky slept peacefully last night and woke up with a new found energy and over-all good vibes. In fact, Rocky was so excited that he slept well, that he walked up to Thom’s chest and then lay flat on his chest all while purring very loudly. Rocky’s goal was to wake up Thom, so that Thom would feed him. When that didn’t work, Rocky began to head-butt thom’s hand as Thom slept.
“What are you doing, Rocky?” “It’s only 5:00 AM,” said Thom. Rocky continued to purr and head-butt his hands. “What, are you hungry?” said Thom. Rocky began to purr loudly when he heard the word ‘food’. “Alright, give me a second. I need to use the bathroom,” said Thom. Thom sleepily got up off the bed and headed toward the bathroom, withRocky right behind him. Rocky was fascinated with the toilet when Thom flushed it. Rocky ran to the toilet and jumped up on the toilet seat staring down into the spiraling water going down the toilet’s drain..
“Watch out Rocky, you’re going to fall in,” said Thom. Rocky ignore Thom and began to peer further down the toilet. He fell in. “Meow, Meow,, Rocky screamed. Thom quickly rushed to the toilet and pulled Rocky out of the water. He was soaking wet. Thom then reached for a towel hanging on the shower rod and began to rub it all over Rocky until he was dry.. Rocky was howling while Thom did this.
Shadow heard the commotion and came out of her room to find out what was going on. “What’s happening. Is Rocky OK?” said Shadow. “Yes, he’s fine. He fell into the toilet. I think his ego is stung more than anything,” said Thom. “Can you take him to get a COVID test? I have to work today,” said Thom. “Sure, I can take him. I’ll need to make an appointment via the Internet. Hopefully, we can get an appointment today,” said Shadow. “Good, let me know if you can get him in today,” Also, see if you can get him a catologist to work on his PTSD issues,” said Thom. “Sure, ok,” said Shadow…
Rocky and Shadow heading out to a COVID testing site in Shadow’s yellow mini cooper.
Shadow walked over to where Rocky lay on the couch and reached for his paw. ( Shadow like Thom were wearing masks to protect them from getting COVID as Rocky had been living on the streets.) Shadow began to rub Rocky’s paw to help calm him down. It worked. In a matter of moments, Rocky was purring and no longer crying. “You are safe here Rocky. We will never raise a paw or hand against you,” said Shadow.
As it was 3:00 AM, Thom suggested Rocky try to get some sleep. “You can sleep with me, but you will have to wear a mask. We will take to get you tested for COVID tomorrow,” said Thom as he picked up Rocky, put a mask on him then cradled Rocky.
“Goodnight Shadow,” said Thom as he began to make his way to his bedroom. Upon reaching his bed he gently lay Rocky on the bed, Rocky had fallen asleep already. When Thom got in bed, Rocky moved closer to Thom by laying between his legs. Rocky felt safe now. Soon he and Thom were sound asleep…
It was dark and the dogs were chasing Rocky. They had him cornered. The biggest dog said, “We got you now. We are going to tear you from limb to limb. Have any last words?” The gang of dogs began to slowly encircle Rocky. Rocky’s heart began to beat fast. He heard a hiss come out of his mouth. The dogs lunged at him. “Hiss, hiss meoooooow,” bellowed out of Rocky’s body as he realized the end was coming soon.
“Rocky, Rocky… Wake up,” said Thom as he ran to the living room when he heard Rocky screaming. Rocky was drenched in sweat, his fur lay flat. “Rocky you are safe. WAKE UP,” In the midst of his dream, Rocky heard Thom’s calming voice. Rocky opened his eyes and the dogs disappeared like mist. He was awake. He began to sob. He was so scared. “You’re safe now. No one is going to hurt you,” said Thom as he slowly petted Rocky’s head. “Is he alright,” said a concerned Shadow as she entered the room. She had heard Rocky screams even though her bedroom door was shut. “He’s better now. “He must have had a catmare,” said Thom. “What were you dreaming about,” asked Shadow. His crying easing up, Rocky said, “I was dreaming I was being chased by dogs and they head me cornered. They were about to rip me to shreds,” said Rocky. “Did dogs chase you while you were on the streets?” said Thom. “Yes,” said Rocky as he held back crocodile tears. “A pack of dogs chased me while I was on the street. They had me cornered. One of the dogs bit me and I bled from his bite. Luckily, an alley cat came to my rescue. She had brought other cats with her. All the cats began attacking the dogs. The dogs were getting scratched up pretty bad.” “Run,” said the alley cat. “So I took off running. I ran and ran until I felt safe,” said Rocky now starting to calm down as he realized he was safe…
