Second Thoughts

But there was no rest for the wicked.

Just as I sprawled over, I heard a familiar high pitched whine and…

OUCH!

As I rolled over, I pressed down on something and I felt a sharp object dig into my back.

Eeek!

There was something there!

I jumped up from the ground and frantically twisted around to check. When I looked back, I caught a glimpse of a crushed transparent wing and my mind raced at the sight.

One of the horrid insects had followed me back!

Its rigid sword-like body had pierced through my scales like a thorn. Although it wasn't painful, it was irritating, like a splinter I couldn't get rid of.

And to my surprise, instead of trying to embed itself further, the thin insect screeched in anguish as it frantically tried to pull itself out. There was a sizzling sound as steam began to rise out of my puncture wound.