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As I expected, the creature allowed for my head to project
out from the flesh cocoon, permitting me to hear it gloat—an
activity of which the creature was eager to partake. It smiled
with a half dozen mouths, first one and then another speaking,
creating a singular, uninterrupted voice. “I see you have met
my family, little morsel. They are a rather cozy bunch, to be
sure, and they seldom if ever depart each other’s company.
Soon, you will be even closer to them than you are now. But
for that level of intimacy to be properly achieved, you must
first spend some time writhing and rendering within me—
I’m afraid I will have to swallow you.” Its many mouths
illustrated their delight with smiles and smacking lips.
“Before I do this, I will allow you the courtesy of pleading
for your life, as I’m sure you will be inclined to make an
argument for your continued survival. I will also tell you
that I have, on rare occasion, been compelled to release a
few potential meals on the basis of some rather compelling
dissertations. Do you find this generous of me?”
I chose the last mouth to speak as the focus of my reply.
“Firstly, you’re a liar. You’ve never neglected yourself on
something else’s behalf, this much is clear to me. Secondly,
I have no intention of begging. However, I’d be more than
happy to ask some questions of you, if you’d be kind enough
to answer.”
Some of the mouths growled at the insult, others smiled
at the appeal. “A strange yet harmless request, to be sure,”
the creature said, amused. “I’ll entertain what you clearly
think is some kind of trick that will allow you to escape from
me. Ask your questions, my little web-to-be. I look forward
to your attempt at freedom.”
The web of flesh continued to constrict, trying to force
the air from my lungs. “Well, you certainly have enough
limbs to pat yourself on the back, but my intention to escape
is hardly a deduction worthy of such self-congratulation. I
could escape even now, if I so chose, but I’d like to gather
your story, first. Where do you come from, creature?”
206 | Mark Anzalone