Bill and Avery

A Story by Richard Novak

Bill and Avery

Avery was a little morose. Maybe even pissed. Nah, morose was good enough.

"I don't think I'll ever come back here again, Bill. For the last week it's been nothing but 'Cicada this' and 'Cicada that.' That incessant buzzing would drive anybody crazy!"

"You're right, Avery."

"The damn things are a nuisance. If I'd known they were this much trouble..."

"I know, Avery."

"But you know what's really disgusting, Bill? What's really disgusting is the way they're so noisy when they -- you know. I mean, do they have to let the whole neighborhood know what they're doin'?"

"Sure thing, Avery."

The two friends continued for a moment, each lost in his own thoughts.

"Hey, Bill. Everybody says they're edible. Want to try a couple and find out?"

"O.K., Avery."

"Yeah, let's do it! I've never had a chocolate-covered human before. Should be good. You like chocolate?"

"That's fine, Avery."

1990 (c) Richard Novak