Chapter 1

After moving into my new apartment, I was added to a strange group chat. Everyone in it pretended to be an animal. Every day, I'd lurk, fascinated by their conversations, but I never said a word.

That all changed the day a mouse got into my apartment.

I posted in the chat: “Is there a reliable pest control service nearby?”

A moment later, a user named ‘AAA Pest Control: Leo’ tagged me.

[Two cans. Non-negotiable.]

[Cat’s at your door. Open up.]

And standing outside my door... was an actual tabby cat.

1

The first thing that happened after I moved into The Haven Apartments wasn’t the unpacking of boxes or the customary awkward nod to a neighbor. It was an invitation to a group chat.

The Haven Community Forum.

That was the name. The members all had avatars of cute animals. I didn't think much of it. I figured the property manager had added me for building announcements and maintenance updates.

Then, one evening, scrolling absently on my phone, I actually opened the chat.

[MischiefMakerMilo: Ugh. Got caught stealing treats from the pantry. Mom smacked my butt three times. I'm chewing up her favorite slippers tonight. See how she likes that.]

[Caesar: Pathetic. Letting the biped walk all over you. You should be running that house.]

[Image: A fluffy white cat looking down its nose with regal disdain.]

[Pumpkin: Quick question, does anyone else's water taste... spicy sometimes?]

[Caesar: Idiot. The water cooler is probably shorting out. Go knock it over before you get electrocuted.]

[CallieTheCalico: Mom's trying to clip my nails! Code Red! I need backup! I need a 911 right MEOW!]

I watched the screen for a long time, a slow smile spreading across my face. It had to be kids from the complex, role-playing as their pets. Honestly, it was kind of adorable. Their goofy, earnest conversations were a welcome distraction from the loneliness of a new city.

Just then, a new message popped up.

[There’s a stranger in my house.]

[Image: A dog peering cautiously from behind a sofa cushion.]

The avatar was a young husky, all wide blue eyes and chaotic energy. Based on his previous messages, I pictured a kid, maybe five or six years old.

My heart seized. A child home alone with an intruder.

I was about to ask if he was by himself when the other chat members piled on, questioning his intelligence rather than the danger.

[Are you SURE it's a stranger?]

[You said there was a stranger last week and it was just your dad wearing a new jacket.]

[Code Red! Send a 911! Send a 911!]

I hesitated, my finger hovering over the button to message the property manager. But a second later, the husky typed again.

[lol nvm it was just my dad in a face mask. as a reward for this scare i'm gonna go pee in his office tonight.]

A false alarm.

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, half-amused. But deep down, a strange, unsettling feeling began to take root. Something about this chat felt… off.

2

I got home late from an interview that hadn’t gone well.

The moment I flipped on the light, a black shadow darted across the living room floor. My breath caught in my throat. I crouched down to look under the coffee table, and a huge rat shot out, heading straight for my feet.

A scream tore out of me as I scrambled onto the coffee table, my heart hammering against my ribs. Panicked, I fumbled for my phone and typed a desperate plea into the only local group I was in.

[There's a rat in my apartment! Does anyone know a reliable pest control service that can come RIGHT NOW? This is an emergency! Please help!]

[A rat? What's a rat?]

[It's one of those fast squeaky toys. My dad won't let me play with them.]

[Are you new here? I haven't seen you before. Why is your avatar a person? What species is your owner?]

My avatar can't be a person? What species is your owner?

My mind was reeling, but the frantic squeaking from under the sofa sent a fresh wave of terror through me. I didn't have time to process the weirdness. I immediately opened a browser, searching for 24/7 exterminators.

Just then, a notification. Someone had tagged me in the chat.

AAA Pest Control: Leo:

[Two cans. Non-negotiable. Immediate service.]

[I'm at your door. Let me in. Meow.]

That fast?

I slid off the coffee table, crept to the door, and opened it. The hallway was empty. As I started to close it, a soft meow drew my eyes downward.

A handsome tabby cat sat there, paws tucked neatly together, looking up at me expectantly.

An insane, impossible thought sparked in my mind.

"Are you... AAA Pest Control: Leo?"