Fatal attraction
We tried, but we knew the risks.
We’d talk through the night, keeping our distance, knowing the cost if our wills failed.
I’d bring gifts – her eyes would sparkle when she saw me approach with treats for her to unwrap. She’d look at me then with such longing, and I’d melt.
I knew I couldn’t hold out forever, as did she. It was inevitable. I weakened, and it was glorious. But she is who she is.
Only moments left. I hang, ensnared in the silken web of her love, and wonder about life, death, desire and the imperative of destiny.
*****
A very late contribution to the Friday Fictioneers link-up, hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. And if you can handle a gory little slice of nature in the raw, click on this link.
Onto the page 
Great use of the spider metaphor
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Thank you, Neil.
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I love this in so many ways. A spider male’s life is short. And passion can be the end of anyone. Great writing.
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This story went through so many shifts of focus as I was working on it that I started to lose my sense of where it was going. I thought I’d just abandon it and not put anything in this week, but I didn’t want to do that. So I’m glad to read your lovely response. Many thanks, Gabriele.
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You and me both. 🙂 I love your take, it’s brilliant.
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Cool story!
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Thank you, Dawn.
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Dear Margaret,
I’d say his days are numbered. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle. Yep – he’s at the end of the line.
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The things we do for love and lust, and the price we sometimes have to pay… great take on the prompt, Margaret.
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Thank you, Sandra. I struggled to get this one out this week, and I was hoping it would end up with some discernible theme to it. It changed direction so many times in the writing.
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The female of the species is more deadly than the male!
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Yes they’re vicious. I learned some very interesting bits and pieces about these spiders while I was thinking about this story. Just as well the same doesn’t apply to humans. ☺️
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I felt happily ensnared by your story – beautifully told. It has a mythical angle to it I think.
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I’m so glad my story ensnared you. And that you were happy in the process. Thank you for commenting.
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And yet he can’t help but fall into her trap, knowing what fate awaits him. She must be pretty amazing. Deftly woven tale, Margaret
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He’s helpless, driven even. And she’s heartless – she eats them up and waits patiently for the next one to come along. Thanks for your encouraging comment, Lynn.
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My pleasure 🙂
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i see his life hanging by the thread. outstanding pieace. better late than never. 🙂
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Thanks, plaridel. I thought I’d be last in the link-up this week, but I see that I wasn’t.
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I’m glad you kept at it, Margaret. It turned out so very well. The price for a moment of ecstasy…
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I’m glad I persevered too. And I’m glad you liked it. Thank you, Dale.
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The first line piqued my interest with its ambiguity. Love the way you built up tension in the story and ended it with the male spider’s resignation to his fate.
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I do like ambiguity, so I’m very happy it worked here. Thanks for reading and leaving such a nice comment.
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This is an awesome take on the prompt! I’m sure many men can relate.
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Oh dear. Poor men if that’s the case. I’m glad you liked my take. ‘Awesome’ is high praise indeed. Thank you.
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