The Wasp

• Scarlett Kanaley, Grade 8
• Short Story
• 2021

I trace a lazy line along the leaf littered forest path that I had been walking along. I hear a distant noise, but It is not very noticeable at first. I try to ignore the loud chatter of the birds and I listen to the small sound as it starts to grow louder. Soon, the humming noise is right next to me. I look up. It’s a bug I have never seen before. It circles me. Once, twice, before coming in to rest on my hand. I stare at its black and yellow body. It’s a wasp. I jerk my hand away but it is too late, a searing pain stabs into my arm as it’s pincers pour poison into my hand.