Shapeshifters

“There was a cat that got run over there just now, right where that bloodstain is…” I thought the guard was just brushing me off, so I pointed it out to him. “I don’t know,” the guard shrugged, “Maybe it wasn’t dead yet. Even a frog can jump without its head.” Then he continued to look around casually. “Oh,” I knew further inquiry would only make me look like a lunatic, so I responded casually. In my mind, the image of the black cat being crushed under the tire, its body instantly flattened and blood spewing out, was unbearable to recall. I also knew that in such a short time, it was unlikely someone had removed the cat’s body without the guard noticing. But regardless, no animal could survive being crushed like that, not even with nine lives. Most likely, it was dragged away by another car when it got run over again. That was the only logical explanation I could come up with. Then I glanced back at the bloodstain — no signs of dragging. Maybe… Anyway, if my guess was wrong, then something was beyond my rational understanding. Setting aside questions about the resilience of animal life, I tried to focus on moving into my new place. For a place where I would be staying for at least two weeks, it should be cleaned up a bit.
I carried all the boxes into the house and began to arrange my daily necessities. By the time everything was in place, it was nearly dusk. I could finally take a breather and flop onto the sofa. However, during the tidying process, I made an interesting discovery: the homeowner’s private collection. Hidden between the armrest and the cushions of the sofa were several pornographic magazines, including “Penthouse” and some Japanese AV magazines, among others. Then, naturally, I found numerous adult films in several drawers of the TV cabinet, ranging from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, to Europe and America, too many to count. There were also many “evidences” in Shui Sheng’s bedroom; under the sheets, inside the bedside table, everywhere was filled with erotic vibes. It seems he didn’t have time to hide them properly when I suddenly asked to borrow his place.