“It’s a majestic creature of the sky, Charlie! And the spider is just a misunderstood arachnid,” Alan chirped, adjusting his beige windbreaker. “Besides, I’ve named the bird 'Freedom' and the spider 'Leggsy.'”
“Thanks, Mom,” Charlie muttered, pouring a double. “I guess there’s always a bigger predator in the room.”
“Alan, I’m telling you, it’s staring at me,” Charlie hissed, peering through the glass sliding door.
The doorbell rang. It wasn’t the date. It was .