The Only Moon

The vibration of frenzied movements wakes me from my sleep. I’m surrounded by darkness, snuggled down in my bed of dirt and debris. The burrow is my happy place. Another vibration of hysteria entices me to move from the warmth of my underground chamber.

At the small opening of my home, the darkness is interrupted by a soft blue glow, the only moon I have ever known. My hairy, black legs stretch through the dirt floor with anticipation. The fear of my struggling victim sends the thrill of the hunt through my body.

Slowly, I inch out of the tiny doorway and peek out to survey my surroundings. My eight beady eyes can hardly see, but I know what lies ahead. Beyond my dirt cave are green dew-dropped leaves glittering like stars in the night sky.

My domain seems to stretch on forever, and my life’s work lies at its heart. A silken ivory web shakes with every frantic movement of the intruder. He jumps over and past my web in an attempt to flee, but his movements tell me where to find him. I am a master of the hunt.

My body tenses for a moment. Then I shoot forward through dry leaves toward him. My fangs sink deep, and warmth floods through me as he goes still. I can feel the life of the cricket slipping away. With the limp carcass dangling from my mouth, I drag my meal back into my peaceful home. Once nothing of him remains, my body slumps down into my bedding.

Far above, beyond the glass walls I have never once tried to cross, a giant shadow leans close. A soft tap echoes through my world. Then the blue moon clicks off.

My entire being relaxes with contentment. I am grateful, and I think to myself, Thank you for dying, so I can live another day.