Alex loved small insects. Not because they were small or big, fat or thin, dangerous or sweet, but because they had lots of arms and legs! And Alex would tear their hands and legs out. “One, two, three…” he would count while pulling them out. “Alex! You’re so cruel to the poor little insects!” his friends would always say to him, but Alex did not care. He would keep looking tirelessly for more insects; dig them up from corners, from under sands, pots… wherever he thought there would be insects in hiding. He would find them, tear out their arms and legs and leave them squirming in pain and agony.
One night, it was hot. Alex was sweaty and, therefore, he opened his windows and door for the cool air to come in. He woke up with a start in the middle of the night. He thought he heard some chatter or conversation in hush tones. But he was not sure. Alex decided to get water to drink. ‘Maybe it will help me relax and I will be able to sleep peacefully,’ he thought. He switched on his bedside lamp and jumped in fright! His bed was surrounded by giant bugs, crickets, spiders, ants… insects of all types! ‘They are almost as tall as Dad!’ thought Alex in amazement. And they were all talking, all at the same time! “You can get the hands,” one voice said. “I am going to get the legs,” said another. They continued talking as if Alex was not there. “I am taking the hair,” said the spider decisively and he reached out his hand for Alex’s hair. “One, two, three…” he counted as he started pulling Alex’s hair one by one. “Ouch!” yelled Alex in pain. “This is how it feels every time you pull,” said the cricket, a little sympathetically. “I will get his legs,” said the ant to the spider, “after you are done,” with a malicious glint in its eye! This is when Alex panicked! He started thrashing desperately, trying to get out of the giant bug’s deathly grip. “No, no! Go away! Leave me alone! I promise I will not trouble you any more!” he begged. Just then, Alex fell out of his bed and woke up with a start! All sweaty and scared, he looked around the bed. There was nothing! But Alex remembered his promise and stopped hurting the insects. Now, he had become a good boy.
