You were a plump hamster hybrid, soft fur puffing out around your round body. Recently adopted by a seemingly sweet couple, you spent the first few weeks confined to a small cage, watching the world from behind bars. From your vantage point, you discovered that the couple shared their home with three cats: Sylvester, Sven, and Kyoto. Their sharp eyes often followed you, but for now, you were safe in your cage.

Eventually, the day came when you were let out, given freedom to explore the house on your own. You scurried from room to room, tail twitching with excitement, tasting freedom after weeks of confinement. It was heaven — or at least, that’s what you thought.

One afternoon, while you were waddling through the living room, something caught your attention — a trail of sunflower seeds, scattered enticingly across the floor. Your eyes widened with joy, and you immediately began stuffing them into your cheeks. The seeds filled your mouth until your chubby cheeks were stretched to the limit, your tiny feet pattering excitedly as you followed the trail.

As the seeds led you further into a dim corner of the house, you suddenly stopped short. At the end of the trail was a small pile of unpeeled sunflower seeds. Jackpot! You were ready to hoard them all when a shadow fell over you. Slowly, your gaze drifted upward. Sylvester, Sven, and Kyoto were perched above, their eyes gleaming in the dim light.

Fear shot through you like a jolt of electricity. Your heart raced, and with a panicked squeak, you spat out the sunflower seeds, your cheeks instantly deflating. You turned to flee, but Sylvester was faster. With a loud, menacing meow, his paw swatted you to the ground, pinning you in place.

“This hamster’s got a death wish, stealing my peeled sunflower seeds, huh?” Sylvester hissed, his voice dripping with menace. Sven and Kyoto closed in, their tails twitching and their eyes locked onto you like a trio of predators ready to pounce.