“Did you see...? Oh my God, did you guys see
what just happened...?” I did not say these
things. I thought them, wanted to say them, but
how would they understand? They had no
idea. I wasn’t crazy. Was I not crazy? Was I
having a personal war with a Vietnamese rat
and my own fears?
I was so proud of myself. I could barely believe
it. I had fear. I made a plan. I carried out the
plan. I beat the Rat and I conquered my fear.
The rat was no longer a Rat, but a little mouse–
a little tiny, harmless, house mouse. I now
welcomed the mousey-rat.
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Copyright © 2007 by Michael Domino
As we prepared to leave the restaurant, I checked one last time. When we rose from the table, now strewn
with dirty plates and dipping sauces and used washcloths, the rat made one more half-hearted attempt to
break for the table. I faked a washcloth toss at the rat and, with electrifying speed, the rat turned back into its
hole, fearful of being struck for a second time.
Luat paid the waiter and left a tip on the table for our delicious lunch.
I walked from the table to the street, in step with Luat and Michael, head and chest held high. I was smiling a
victorious smile, from inside, as we crossed the motorbike-clogged street of Saigon toward our waiting taxi cab.
Michael Domino 3-12-06
