Each day, I settled into bed, hopeful for a long night rest and each day, the same thing happened. I woke up, halfway into what could have been a deep restful sleep, to the sound of their squeaking, scrambling and scratching. They descended upon my dwelling. These medium-sized, long-tailed rodents of the super family Muroidea, menacing members of the genus family, Rattus. Every crevice was an opportunity. And when there was no opening? They created it themselves, tearing and clawing their way inside; searching for respite from the long, cold corridors, not letting minor things like doors, mounted road blocks, or even well set poisoned food get in their way. My mind was in turmoil. I, who shrunk away from anything that had no voice and walked not on two legs, suddenly plagued by an onslaught of determined and strategically positioned rats. What were they looking for? I pondered. Old meals were immediately cast aside and plates washed thoroughly. Groceries ...