It started bubbling. It looked like a marshmallow being set on fire. I had a flashback to my grandmother’s leg, and I started to cry. The rabbit cringed and screamed—although I couldn’t hear it, I was thankful enough for that—and slowly its flesh and muscle melted away and I saw white bone appear. I turned away from it and called in the head scientist, got my money…

“…and he wrote me a check and sent me away. That was the last I ever saw of Sporad.” I finish the last drop of my coffee. I realize my daughter is sleeping, so I turn off the light and close the door. I take a shot of Yurum, put away my briefcase, and go to bed.