Man, what a day! I swear, being a ratcatcher in Haernoesand is like being in a freakin’ circus. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s barely up, and I’m already thinking about the rats. Ugh, those little furballs. I grab my gear—trap, gloves, and my trusty old broom. Yeah, I know, not the fanciest tools, but they get the job done.
First stop, Storgatan. It’s a busy street, full of shops and people. I’m dodging folks left and right, trying not to trip over my own feet. I swear, if I had a crown for the number of times I’ve almost face-planted, I’d be the king of Haernoesand. Anyway, I’m on the lookout for signs of rat trouble. You know, droppings, gnaw marks, the usual.
Suddenly, I hear this commotion near the bakery. Turns out, a rat the size of a small dog is making a run for it! I’m like, “No way!” I chase it down, weaving through the crowd. People are staring, some are laughing. I’m yelling, “Get outta the way! Rat on the loose!”
Finally, I corner the beast near the fountain on Torget. It’s just chillin’, like it owns the place. I’m sweating bullets, heart racing. I swing my broom, but the rat dodges like it’s in the Olympics. I’m cursing under my breath. “You little punk!”
After what feels like an eternity, I finally trap it. The crowd goes wild, cheering like I just scored a goal or something. I’m feeling like a hero for a hot second. But then, I realize I gotta deal with this thing. I’m not keeping it as a pet, that’s for sure.
Next, I head over to the old docks. Man, the smell there is something else. Fish guts and seaweed, yum! I’m looking for a spot to release my new friend. I find a quiet corner by the water, and just as I’m about to let it go, I hear a loud splash. I turn around, and there’s this kid, probably no older than ten, laughing his head off. He just threw a rock in the water. I’m like, “Dude, chill! I’m trying to do a good deed here!”
Finally, I let the rat go. It scurries off like it’s got somewhere important to be. I’m feeling good, right? But then, I step in something squishy. I look down, and it’s a pile of... well, you can guess. I’m gagging, hopping around like a madman. “Great, just great!”
By now, it’s lunchtime, and I’m starving. I hit up my favorite spot on Kungsbron. Best meatballs in town, no contest. I sit down, and just as I’m about to dig in, my phone buzzes. It’s my buddy, asking if I wanna join him for a drink later. I’m like, “Sure, but I’m covered in rat goo!”
After lunch, I head back to the streets. I’m feeling a bit more relaxed, but then I get a call. It’s Mrs. Lindgren from Skolgatan. She’s got a rat problem in her attic. I’m thinking, “Great, just what I need.” But I can’t say no to her. She’s like the sweetest old lady ever.
I get to her place, and it’s a whole scene. The attic is dark, and I swear I hear squeaking. My heart’s racing again. I climb up the rickety ladder, and there they are—three little rats, just chilling. I’m like, “Seriously? A rat family?”
I set my traps, and while I’m waiting, I chat with Mrs. Lindgren. She’s telling me stories about Haernoesand back in the day. I’m laughing, but inside, I’m still on rat alert.
Finally, I catch one. The others scatter. I’m feeling like a champ again. I pack up, say my goodbyes, and head out.
As I’m walking home, I can’t help but think about the day. It was wild, emotional, and a bit gross. But hey, that’s life as a ratcatcher in Haernoesand. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Well, maybe a clean pair of shoes. But that’s a different story!