In the carpark near the beach in CT I discovered a group of isopods up to no good.

The pill bugs had formed a pentagram of beach trash, mostly delicate bones of birds & fish. It was about the size of a quarter. They kept adjusting it and adding to it as I watched, horrified, yet fascinated.

I was so engrossed in the mysterious antics of the little woodlice that I didn't even notice the man who'd joined me watching, until he spoke.

"Amazing aren't they?" He said, his voice deep, but warm. 1/18

Content Warning

I startled at his voice, nearly dropping my purse. But, seeing him next to me, standing with the same stooped sowbug-watching posture I was able to find the thread of calm.

"Oh yes." I managed --but then felt obligated to add. "But something here is very abnormal."

The man had been focused on the roly polies, but now looked to me-- he was a plain man in a black suit with a black tie. He even wore a fedora.

A frown creased his pale face.
"You think something is wrong?" #story #writing 2/