“No,” I told it firmly. “I already have enough stuff on my back. I can’t carry you.” I set it on the ground and pointed at a random spot in the distance. “Go.” The creature spun in a circle. As I took a step forward, it darted to my leg and latched on. “Fucking—” I shook my leg to try and dislodge it, but it clung on, all its limbs wrapped around my calf and knee. “Come on! I don’t have time for this!”
