Murinae After Midnight 02
#2 of Murinae After Midnight
Murinae After Midnight
Written and Created by Vember Judgement
"A mother mouse, after a series of life altering events, runs herself afoul of a band of subway mice who are not like the norm..."
Artwork by Piromane
Murinae After Midnight
Written and Created by Vember Judgement
Chapter Two: Family Structure
Ama smiled at the welcoming musk of her burrow, slowly removing her robe. Her children's ears immediately perked as she entered. Her son Beng quickly scurried up to hug her. His burlap tunic scratched against her arms.
"Mother, what happened?" he asked with a hint of desperation. Ama gave her best motherly smile as she patted his head.
"Our new neighbors are too clean. I couldn't find not one scrap."
"No food?" Lisee nearly whispered, her eyes wide and horrified. Ama turned away, distressed to see her daughter in such a state. "No food."
As Lisee shrunk into her apron to cry, Ama walked towards a small blue cloth sheet in the middle of the burrow. Slowly pulling it away, she laid her eyes on the small, pink bodies of her litter. The four of them cried out for her, blindly reaching out. She promptly picked one up into her arms.
"We are going to have to find a new place to live." Beng hopped over and placed a paw on her shoulder.
"But mother, we can't get far with the babies. Do we leave them behind?" Ama flashed an angry glare, disgusted by her son's suggestion.
"These are the last of your father's children. I will not abandon them for any reason." Beng held out his arms in protest.
"We aren't strong enough, mother! We can't even leave home without some kind of food!" Ama turned away from Beng, lightly squeezing the baby to her bosom.
"I'm going to see the alley rats. Plead with them to give us enough food for the trip."
"Mother no!" Beng nearly screamed, which startled Ama.
"What would you have me do? We're desperate."
"You'll beg those filthy monsters who murdered father!? Them!?" Ama spun back around to face him, brow furrowed.
"Limited options are forcing my hand. This is the only way we get out of here safe." Beng wanted to further object, but knew full well his mother was right.
"At least let me come with you. They're dangerous." Ama shook her head, trying hard to not show fear.
"No. You have to stay with your sister and protect the babies." Beng himself shook his head.
"Lisee can watch them just fine. I'm coming with you." Ama reaching over with a free paw and gently moves Beng's face towards his sister.
"Look at her."
Beng watches as his sister sits close to the babies. Lisee's eyes are fixated on them, wide and hungered, drool dripping from her mouth. Her breath is heavy as she grips the hem of her skirt, trying hard not to reach out for the babies. Realizing she was being watched, her eyes begin to tear up as she slowly watches to the opposite end of the burrow, flashing a guilty look. Beng looks back to Ama with a sad nod.
"I understand..."
Ama slowly walked over and sat among the babies, returning the one in her arms to join them. Beng follows, huddling close to his mother.
"So when are you going?"
"After we sleep a bit. Right now I just want to be here, with you all. My dear family." Ama motions to Lisee to come join everyone. Lisee at first is hesitant but then lets herself crawl over next to her mother. Ama cradles her close, staring into her eyes.
"It will be okay. You'll have food in your belly by this time tomorrow." Lisee wipes the tears from her eyes.
"Promise?" she asked, her eyes wide and innocent. Ama held her head close to hers, cradling her cheek. "I promise."
Ama gently places the blue cloth sheet over herself and her children, the family drifting off to sleep in the darkness.