The Spider's Lullaby

The Beautiful Horizon

The Alves couple were waiting for their bus at the Tiete Station. Renato was a little tensed because Juliana will be on an interstate bus ride from São Paulo to Bello Horizonte, the beautiful and picturesque city in the state of Minas Gerais whose name literally translated to 'beautiful horizon'. Doctor Eastman has suggested the couple to stay in his brother's resort in the countryside near the majestic city of Bello Horizonte. The resort was near Nova Lima municipal area and was supposed to be rejuvenating experience for the couple.

Finally, their bus arrived and they took their seat. Renato was now feeling a little more at ease because the bus was really comfortable and as the bus started off, he felt more assured as he understood it was going to be a smooth journey. It was supposed to be 8 hours long trip to 3rd most populated city in South America.

"Everything will be alright honey!", said Juliana as she rested her head on Renato's shoulder. It was almost noon and the Alves partners were on a nostalgia high of their college trips. They giggled and laughed and both of them realized that nothing has changed in their relationship. Renato was the same thoughtful and passionate lover to Juliana and she was the same loving and caring counterpart of her husband.

When we are in the company of our loved ones, even eternity feels to be a mere moment and the same thing happened to both of them. They had reached the bus terminal at Bello Horizonte city. They are supposed to stay for a night in the city at a hotel and leave for Nova Lima on the next day.

It was for the first time in the past 10 days that Renato has been able to eat something at the hotel diner. Juliana was really exhilarated to see her husband being able to consume food and even some fancy wine!

"See! You are improving! I knew this trip would be a nice change for you.", said Juliana as her face gleamed with apparent joy.

"I think so too! Breathing some air which isn't from São Paulo is a relief!", said Renato as he ate his last piece of sausage.

"I haven't been to the countryside for a long time, I hope it will be wonderful to be there. Thanks to Dr. Eastman. He might seem creepy but he is really generous to offer to stay at his brother's resort for free!", said Juliana gleefully.

"Agreed! To Doctor Eastman!", said Renato as he raised his glass.

Juliana chuckled and said, "To Doctor Eastman!" as she raised her glass of lemonade and made a clink with his glass.

Soon after, both of them made their way to their room. Renato was brushing his teeth and it was then noticed something disgusting. He burst out the bathroom door and said to Juliana, "Such a nice hotel but they don't even clean the bathrooms!"

"What is it?", said Juliana anxiously.

"It is a spider. It was crawling on the mirror!", replied Renato, disgusted.

"Let me see.", said Juliana as she walked towards the bathroom but she couldn't spot a single sight of the specified arachnoid.

Renato followed her and he was flustered for a moment. He said in a feeble voice, "It was here a moment ago... I swear."

"Its okay honey, I believe you. Those creepy crawlers vanish into the crevices as soon as they understand that human intruders have spotted them! Now come to the bed you!", replied Juliana.

Renato looked confused. He hated spiders. No, he was not an arachnophobe. He just couldn't stand those creatures. Those slender hairy legs, those black and shinning eyes and those complicated webs they tailor. He found spiders to be the most disgusting creature, so as a joke Juliana gifted him the spider toy which hung on his car.

As both of them laid on the soft bed, Juliana clutched on to Renato's chest. He felt at home... He felt warm... He felt a strange relief which he never found anywhere else...

Suddenly Juliana raised her face and kissed him. She whispered in his ears, "Don't worry... you won't make me pregnant again."

Renato smiled.

They dimmed the lights and continued their love making session.

"I can hear it, the Spider's Lullaby...

I can hear it, the Spiders crawling by...

A grey one, full of eggs...

She would find a warm spot down in your necks..."