The Bees

by Laline Paull

‘Then kindly recall that variation is not the same as deformity.’

In an instant, a ravenous hunger seized Flora’s body and homesickness hit her soul so hard that she cried out in surprise. She could not smell the Queen, nor any sisters, nor the hive, the orchard, nor one familiar thing. The more she searched, the more the void of sky pressed her body to a speck, until she felt so small and alone that without a sister to cling to she thought she was dying.

her joy in flight was nothing compared to her gratitude in homecoming.

But her trembling antennae gave lie to her brave words.

She ripped his abdomen open down to his genitals, then tore out his penis and ate it. Sisters screamed in excitement as his blood splashed on their faces.

That is the truth and you know it: every girl child is born a worker but it is how we feed her that makes her Queen!’