The Spider

The little gnat flailed about helplessly in the web. No chance of getting free. He was stuck. In an instant the spider was upon him. If he was wrapped up before what followed was an embalming. Her expert legs moved around him turning and positioning him as she pleased. The spider worked quickly and deftly. Smoothness is speed. As she wrapped him over and over his world went darker and darker. He just focused on breathing. She took him into her mouth and it was all over. Life passed from him. He knew nothing. She slowed her movements. The excitement had passed. She savored what little lifeblood he had to offer. She cleaned him up and disconnected him from the web as not to make a mess of things. The spider then carried his body up to the corner where the others were and carelessly placed him. Once again her web looked inviting. Back at her perch she waited. She did this all day. She was the only living thing in her home. Anything that came in served the sole purpose of keeping her alive for a few moments, a few hours. One day.

Others came. They died while she survived. The days became shorter and colder. Little gnats and flies didn't come around so often. Her long legs became weak and frail. When some lonely bug would get caught in her web she barely had the strength to subdue him. Then, no one came at all. She sat on her perch in the hungry cold huddling to keep warm. At last life crept out of her. The cold slowly breathed in her last breath and passed on unsatiated, seeking more.