How to Kill Bugs

Meghan Dairaghi

Alumni

Marshall wanted to help Caleb learn how to kill bugs. As neighbors, Marshall was often called up to Caleb’s apartment for this reason. Marshall brought test subjects in Tupperware. Worms and lady bugs. Caleb hovered over them, a shoe or rolled newspaper in hand. It’s about confidence building, Marshall said. Learn your own strength.

Marshall was strong but kind, and Caleb thought he was the perfect teacher. Plus, Marshall smelled nice—like peaches.

Bugs aren’t that concerned with you, Marshall said. They won’t hurt you.

Caleb didn’t think that was true, but he was tired of being afraid. He lived alone, and it was up to him to kill those spindly, marble-shelled bodies that snuck in.

Unless, of course, you just move in with me, Caleb joked.

One day, Marshall brought two new bugs. They clung together in the container he held. Caleb blushed. Lovebugs.

What do you want me to do with them? Caleb asked.

Same as before, Marshall said. Just get familiar with them. Living in Florida means you deal with these a lot, right? You know lovebug season is coming up?

Caleb nodded. He understood. He understood exactly.

Marshall’s phone rang then, and he excused himself. Caleb watched the lovebugs' bodies tangled up in each other. When Marshall returned, he gathered his things.

I’m sorry, he said. My girlfriend needs me to go home. Family emergency.

Oh, Caleb said. Okay. Family first. After Marshall left, Caleb pried open the lid to the Tupperware container. The bugs were flirting with each other. He dumped the lovebugs onto the kitchen floor and, with the swift stomp of his shoe, killed them.