I’m so lost without my Exxie, my brother – he’s always been my guide, my voice of reason. The one face I could always rely on. But now, it seems, he’s simply gone. It’s the only explanation, because otherwise he’d never leave me alone this long. I’m worried for him, but I’m mostly worried for myself. I don’t know what I’ll do if he never comes back. Roach is so tired of being alone.
But today I’ve found folks – lots of them! – all gathered around and bouncing around the lake. My little bug brain latches onto their faces, their voices, and I gravitate toward them wordlessly. Only desperation could bring me out into the sun in the middle of a summer day: my eyes water constantly and I blink them rapidly in an attempt to ease the pain. It’s so bright out here. I can barely make out the details of my surroundings, but I can follow the voices, and I do.
I blunder into the gathering, as awkward in movement as I am in stature, and somehow manage to find my way into the water. It doesn’t matter that no one’s talking to me, because my attention is now on the cool liquid around my legs. It’s so nice against my skin! I wade out, chest deep, then dip my head under as well. Roach’s eyes feel much better, and when I emerge it’s with an awkward smile across my face.
r o a c h
flaming stealth banana |