The Mouse Trap

It was the last day of college and the last session on cross cultural management, with all topics covered and a little time to spare, our professor shared this story with us. The climax was a surprise, but an important lesson learnt at the end. All credits go to the author of this story, googled a lot, but couldn’t find a name. The story is about a rat living in a farmhouse who discovers that the farmer has ordered a rat trap. What happens then ….?

A rat residing in the walls of a farmer’s house decided to take a peek through a hole in the wall. What he saw was the farmer and his wife were opening a package. At first, he was excited, hoping for a nice surprise, maybe some cheese or something fancy. He was shocked to learn that the package carried a rat trap. Panicked, he calls a meeting to gather all of the farm animals and shares the horrifying news, “There’s a rat trap in the house!” 

The chicken, goat, and cow listened. They all understood how scared the rat was, but they offered no comfort. The chicken replied, “Rat, I’m sorry there’s a rat trap in the house, but I’m not sure what this has to do with me. Have you ever heard of a chicken getting caught in a rat trap?” 

Hearing the rat’s cries, the goat offered more sympathy, but said, “I’m sorry you’re concerned, but there’s nothing I can do but pray for you. Take care.” 

The cow simply replied, “Why am I here? I’m too big for that rat trap, it’s not for me,” and walked off swinging its tail left and right. 

Later that evening a loud “pap” was heard throughout the farm. As if something was caught in the trap that was set. Was it the rat ? The farmer’s wife went to check the trap, but it was dark, so she could not see that a venomous snake was stuck in the trap, not a rat. In the darkness, the snake bit her and the battle for survival began. 

The farmer rushed his wife to the doctor. She returned home with a high fever. The doctor prescribed chicken soup, so the farmer went out to the yard and brought back the main ingredient for the soup. Despite the soup, the wife’s conditions got worse. Neighbors and friends were constantly dropping by to keep her company. In order to show his gratitude, and make sure the visitors didn’t get hungry, the farmer then butchered the goat. Eventually the wife died and many people attended her funeral. The farmer then slaughtered the cow to prepare a feast for the family and guests. 

What do we learn? Those who were least bothered about the consequences suffered the most, they lost their lives…and the rat who was supposed to be caught in the trap went on to live. As the story says the “whole farmyard” is at risk and one must not overlook any danger.