The rodent takes another weak step backward as the tigress approaches, but can’t seem to do anything but watch in horror as the feline pads right up to her.  Monique can barely hear the purring growl, the blood rushing in her ears from her pounding heart drowning out almost any other sound.  She’s breathing in short, panting breaths, her mouth open just slightly.<br/><br/>The lick across her face helps to bring her back to her senses slightly, though she still doesn’t move just yet, not being certain just<span style="font-style: italic">what</span>she should do.  She doesn’t even raise a hand to wipe at her face.  While she’s not frozen stiff like she was a moment ago, she might still as well be with as little as she’s moving.  The feline’s nose pushing against her chest knocks her back a step, and she squeaks fearfully.  The kangaroo rat quivers, watching as those teeth latch onto her shirt, and she finally tries to pull back away from Tamara.  A violent shudder runs through her as those horribly long canines graze through her fur.  With the feline tugging one way and the rat pulling back in the other, the relatively flimsy fabric gives way easily, tearing off of Monique’s body.<br/><br/>And as soon as it does, the rodent is off like a shot into the woods lining the path, hoping the suddenness of her action might give her at least some little advantage over her assailant.  At this point, she could care less about modesty; she would run down the middle of Main Street stark naked if it would get her away from the tigress!