NOVEL NEXT Loop 9 - A Bug Interlude
“Now, Bug, do you see that animal right there in a tree?” Ethel asked her student.
“Yeah, that’s a squirrel. They don’t like it when I try to sniff them. I once had a bunch of them throw things at me from trees.” Bug huffed deeply.
“Good, good, now look at this picture. What is it?” Ethel held up a picture of a squirrel, the same type as outside but drawn in a cartoony style.
“Also, a squirrel. I can tell because the patterns are similar, but it’s been drawn to look different so the humans can watch it on TV.”
“Excellent Bug, great job, tonight you get prime rib.”
“Yes, I can’t wait to tell Cal I got an A. He’s going to be so proud of me. Did I ever tell you that Cal and Dad found me and saved me? I was really scared, and they were so nice. Dad gave me all his beef jerky.” Bug laid down while she told the story of their first meeting. “Cal convinced me to get in the car with them when we got back out of the woods. I had to get a bunch of tests. Mom did too soon after. Her tests didn’t go as well, though.” Bug's voice started to crack. It was the first time Bug had brought her mother to Ethel.
“Hey, Bug, let’s go out back and look at the birds for a while. How’s that sound?” Ethel asked, distracting her from the story.
“Oh, I like birds. That sounds great. Do you feel that rumbling, though? That usually comes before the flash. I don’t think we are getting prime rib tonight.” The rumbling became more pronounced, and Ethel was also able to feel it.
“White flash? What’s that?”
“Oh, Cal hasn’t explained yet. I’m sure he will explain the next time we see you. You’re right. Let's go look at birds.” Bug said as she headed towards the back door.
The white flash hit them as Ethel pointed out a swallow to Bug.