Rain [Short Stories]

#005

The bug held captive under the kids' loupe-that they'd probably stolen from Alastair's lab-gave Ambrose a rush of anxiety. The little iridescent beetle waddling around in circles inside the glass made him itch. He got fidgety as Alastair's kids scraped the glass against the sidewalk, knocking the struggling tiny thing onto its back.

He didn't want to interfere. They were having fun so why should he? It was just a bug. There's lots and lots of them in the forest. At least, those thoughts would have won if it were anyone but Ambrose. He got up from his seat in the grass and walked over to the four kids staring wide-eyes at the shiny insect. Tiefling beetles were common in Fraelle. Especially when it had just rained.

"Hey, kids, let's leave the bug alone," he picked the lens up, scooting the beetle into the safety of the grass much to the children's dismay.
"But Ambrose!" All four whined, looking up at the ginger in such a vexed state that he thought they might all gang up on him.
"I'm sorry!" He chuckled, "Why don't you get Refur to chase you around the backyard?" He suggested which the younger two kids seemed to think was a great idea as they ran off in pursuit of it. However, the oldest two just looked at their traitorous younger siblings in shame. They would not be swayed as easily.

They both looked from Ambrose to the grass and back.
"It's just a dumb little bug," the boy pouted as he vehemently crossed his arms and looked down at the sun-scorched sidewalk in indignation. The girl nudged him with an elbow as Ambrose screwed his lips up into a tight purse.
"Why is that bug's life worth any less than yours?" He asked calmly. The question caused the boy to gasp and look at him in shock,
"I wasn't going to kill it!" He squeals and looks hurt at Ambrose's assumption.
"Of course not!" Ambrose's hands fly to his mouth in fake horror, which causes the girl to laugh underneath her hand. Her brother glares.
"How would you like it if that bug put you under a microscope and stared at you all day?" With this statement, the boy grumbled softly and kicked a rock off into the grass.
"I'm sorry, Ambrose..." He whines a little and hangs his head. Ambrose laughs and ruffles his hair.
"It's okay,"

Once the kids ran off, he stood looking at the grass where the beetle had disappeared too. He couldn't help but feel like that beetle. Trapped.