To Stanley

There once was a spider named Stanley who greeted me every night when I went to my friend Stefani's apartment. His beautiful web spanned about 2 feet tall and 6 inches wide. In the center was a hole in which Stanley slept most of the day, but at night he'd crawl out and protect Stefani's apartment from would-be infesting bugs and intruders. I was at first a little nervous about Stanley. He was rather a large spider to keep so close to a front door, but I became fond of the little dude and took the liberty of giving him his wonderful name.

One stormy night, Stanley braved the howling wind and treacherous rain to come out of his hole and guard Stefani's front door. Unfortunately, that same night, Stanley would come to experience his own demise. Stanley was blown out of his web and crushed on the railing by the rain. His web was then torn to shreds.

I came to Stefani's after the downpour and gasped to find that Stanley was no more.

So, here's to Stanley. He was a good little spider pet and my visits to Stefani's just aren't the same without my usual hello and goodbye to Stanley.