3 Ants and a Banana

They are dying, all of them. The queen is already dead and now the sickness is spreading rapidly through the colony. Workers, drones, soldiers - none are immune... and it's all my fault.

***

My name is Accalia. I recently graduated from nest maintenance to foraging with two of my larval sisters. We were so excited, so proud - there is no higher calling than to help feed the colony. In our first few days we joined the day party, collecting grass seeds and dead insects. We even helped carry bits of a worm. At night we celebrated in the nest, flirting with the young drones - so calm, so confident, so handsome.

Once we'd been shown the hunting grounds, we were taken out by an elder to test our senses. Each of us took it in turns to lead the group in a competition to find the best delicacy within a thousand feelers. I was last, with the advantage of seeing how my sisters had tackled the challenge. When it was my turn, I did as the elder had described. Quieting my mind, closing out the distractions of light and air to focus on the scents that caressed me. Biding my time, I crawled slowly in a wide circle, hunting for the ultimate aroma.

I had nearly travelled full circle when I caught the slightest hint of something in the distance. Tentatively I stepped towards it. The trace was so faint, I was scared my imagination might be playing a trick. After several steps, I turned a slow pirouette, to confirm my bearing. I was dead on and upped the pace to a steady march. My sisters and teacher followed close behind, keeping watch for predators and the gods.

As we marched forth, I glimpsed lesser finds through the grass stems. I knew it was risky to press on, but the urge was too strong. As the scent flourished, my conviction kept pace - it was a struggle to keep from cantering. The climax came as I broached a large boulder and came face to face with the most glorious sight in my life - a rotting banana. My team drew alongside and froze in awe. It was more food than we could ever hope to carry alone. Even the elder was speechless.

As our minds returned to the task at hand, we each swallowed a large mandiblefull and turned heel for the nest. I was ecstatic, lost in glory, visualising the welcome I would receive. Swept along in my thoughts, the march home flew by. Upon reaching the nest, we rushed forwards to regurgitate the find and each told the story to our brethren as fast as we could. A tangible ripple of excitement coursed through the colony and soon the biggest transport party I'd ever seen sprang forth, with me taking point.

Our trail was strong and it wasn't long before a continuous stream of workers were devouring the banana's remains and ferrying the precious morsels back to the nest. After a very long day, I was carried home by jubilant soldiers and treated to a feast of precious honeydew in banquet with the queen.

That was 3 nights ago. Before we learnt that the banana was poisoned. Now my sisters are dead and our only hope is a few larvae that have been living off old reserves of grass seed. This precious food is being tightly rationed in the hope that they will survive long enough to hatch. Gods willing, we will give birth to a new queen before it's too late.

As for me, my elation has turned to devastation and the most gut wrenching guilt. My dream, my pride has turned against me and my greatest achievement has killed all but a few of my family. My sorry tale is capped in the bitter sweet irony of knowing that my celebration feast has ensured I will survive the longest of all my clan. My only chance at redemption is to live long enough to hatch and carry the last queen to a new nest. I must succeed, else be forced to starve as my entire ancestry perishes around me.

Time is running out...

***

Jenny walked slowly down her garden, careful not to spill her mug of steaming coffee whilst examining the ground beneath her feet. As she reached her beautiful carved oak bench, she set down her mug and journal, before inspecting the rails, arms, seat and legs. Nodding to herself, she settled back and let a smile of contentment spread across her lips.

Glancing a few feet to her left, she noted the remains of a dessicated banana, but no ants in sight. Who would have believed that a simple banana would cure her infestation; Google strikes again! After a moments contemplation, she opened her journal and penned the title to her new story. A short story of reflection to ease her conscience: "3 Ants and a Banana".