CHAPTER 36

25 YEARS AGO

It was the early 90's in the small and poor community of New Hilton, and little Jameson was playing outside with his father Fred and mother. Their small compound was dusty and filled with rocks and pebbles. But to them, it was home, and they were grateful to have each other.

As the night began to settle in, Fred sat Jameson down on his lap and began to tell him an old tale. "Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a small rat. He was never valued by the other animals and was often kicked about. But this rat had something special, something that would change his life forever."

Jameson's eyes widened with excitement, and he leaned in closer to his father, urging him to continue.

"This rat had the most beautiful whiskers of any animal in the land. As time passed, all of the other animals were hunted and killed for their meat or for sports, leaving this small rat alone in the world with his whiskers the only one left."

Jameson's small face furrowed with sa