By: Matthew Warner
Published by: Psytext
In a green meadow, the seasons change as they always do, and the different creatures of the forest prepare for the trials ahead.
A spider builds its web, though it may be simple in design. It's an important part of her survival.
As food becomes scarce, the other creatures need to make their own preparations.
The rat needs to feed, and find food for itself and its offspring. It's important for their survival.
The rat wants to eat the spider, but in order to get to the spider, it needs to cross over the spider's web. The web is too weak to hold the rat, and the rat knows that walking across may endanger its own life, but it's so hungry, it does so anyways.
The rat says to the spider.
“If you approach me, I will only eat half of your legs.”
The spider says.
“If you approach me, I promise that even with your size and power I will devour your entire being.”
Enraged, the rat runs across the web, only to find it breaking underneath her weight.
The spider alights, using its silk to the bottom of the meadow where the rat's broken body now lays. The rat says again to the spider.
“If you cross my web, I will devour your entire being.”
Hurt, injured, frustrated and dying. The rat looks up and says.
“Even if you and your unborn children devour my being, other rats will come to claim yours.”
The wind blowing on the cold dark night, the sound of leaves wrestling against the incoming rain droplets, the spider tells the rat:
“My dear child, I wait for you. As your revenge comes back in tandem, I would have already left this land, possibly even this earth. Your malice may spread, but there will be nothing left for it to spread towards. You will be left as a remnant, a permanent marker of your own fortitude. A concert reminder to your kinsman,”
The spider bites the rat. Its venom pumps through his bloodstream and provides a sense of calming warmth as its life leaves its body.
Weeks later, the dead rat is found by his cohorts. They see the clear evidence of spider bites, webs stuck to the hands and nails of the decaying corpse, and a tail that has been partially eaten off by other insect scavengers.
The leader of the rats looks at the group with sad eyes. Standing on his hind legs, he tells them…
“Hunt and kill every single spider, no matter age, size or statue. Target all spiders, and ensure that not a single one of them is able to live in our forest.”
Henceforth, the gestation of constant revenge is born. From the lack of foresight, and the arrogance of privilege.
