Drake tapped quietly on the terrarium, causing the scorpions within to skitter about on the leaf litter. “Have I ever told you why I enjoy keeping scorpions as pets?” he said.
“I would imagine because they are venomous and fearsome, not to be trifled with,” said Sanchez evenly, giving the answer he thought was both correct and flattering.
“That is what I most often hear, but it is not so,” said Drake, still riveted on the terrarium. “Did you know that the courtship of a scorpion is a dance? They interlock their claws and move about, almost like a waltz. It can last up to a day, and they are the only creatures–other than humans–to court in this way. They will even kiss each other, if you watch closely–not even apes will do this.”
“I did not know that,” said Sanchez. “That’s…fascinating.”
“And, furthermore, did you know that they are among the few arthropods that will care for their young?” Drake continued. “The scorplings are darling, little white gems with ruby eyes, and their mother will tenderly carry and care for them until they age and darken, ready for life on their own. But she is a wary mother, and they are wary children and wary suitors besides, because the possibility for betrayal is always there. The female may devour the male, and the child may seek to devour the mother; they are always prepared to defend themselves against those they hold dearest.”
“A prudent strategy,” Sanchez said.
“That is why I keep them. They remind me of the beauty of love, of the dance, of parenthood. Like them, I seek to nurture those who have placed themselves under my protection. Like them, I will not hesitate to kill even my dearest should they betray me. Like them, I am always prepared for that possibility as much as I may regret it.”
“I see,” said Sanchez. Then, in a moment of boldness, he added: “So am I to be protected, then? Or stung?”
Excerpts From Nonexistent Books 