MITES

     “Here’s to your safe return to me, honey.” toasted Gail as she softly tapped her long stemmed goblet against Ralph’s.

     He promptly replied, “I love you too sweetie.” They set their glasses down on the edge of the cool deck which surrounded the pool and, hand in hand gently floated to the center of the pool where they became one, caressing each other’s bare bodies, with eyes closed, lovingly kissing one another, ensconced in the trance of ecstasy.

     At once their world was shattered. They were startled by the unrecognizable grunts and ear piercing shrieks coming from all around them. Still locked in each other’s arms they suddenly snapped out of their euphoria. Looking over each other’s shoulders they got their first horrifying glimpse of the giant smelly beasts. Gail let out a terrifying scream! Ralph’s panic laden yell was even louder! The mites surrounded the pool. They were everywhere and the Woodruffs were trapped. Using their front appendages and their tongues, the beasts began lapping at the water’s edge. The water was something new to them and their consternation was evident as they hesitated before entering the pool. The first mite began to move down the concrete steps at the shallow end. It didn’t take it long to realize its large exoskeleton body floated like a fly in a drink. One by one they began to enter the water. Two of them charged the screaming, flailing Gail. Would their watery playpen now become their watery grave? Trying to hang on to his rapidly failing sanity, Ralph did a quick glance around the pool’s edge to find a weapon. He spotted the long handled leaf net lying next to the diving board at the deep end.