text: In peaceful solitude, Scorpion stood on the river bank. The sun glinting off her black and red armor, her body at rest, yet peaceful only in appearance. With longing she watched the river. Had it been moments or hours, she could not be sure. The gently rippling waters burbled over rocks before feeding a small pond. It caught the sunlight and shimmered as it lazily flowed past, but she had no interest in the water's dance today. Her eyes flitted across the surface. Nothing. Still. Scorpion clicked her claws in annoyance. Where is he? She thought, I've been here all morning! Her patience wearing thin, Scorpion turned from the water and slowly crawled away. Until the unmistakable sound called her back. The splash had been quiet, but distinct. Scorpion rushed back to the water's edge. Her convictions renewed. She would not miss him again. Patience. She told herself so strongly she had almost spoken aloud. Searching the river with determination, she waited. Waited. The surface exploded at once as the fish leapt again. Twisting in the air, sunlight catching on a thousand scales, droplets twinkling like stars from his tail. He captivated Scorpion, and she was powerless to resist. In an instant it was over, as the fish disappeared beneath the river again. Scorpion sighed and settled into the soft sand. Alas, Fish took no note of the staring scorpion on the sandy shore. His life was the river, ever flowing and changing. He leapt because it was his nature, not to captivate a lonely arachnid. Even so, captivated she was. Again and again he jumped, and each time she took in the splendor. With each graceful leap, her heart jumped as well. There was something about this creature that called to her. His beauty and vibrancy echoed somewhere deep within her. Despite her best interests, she knew all too well that she was in love, and the fact tormented her. In silent rage, Scorpion lashed out at the ground in front of her. Claws raking the sand as her tail snapped forward sending a pebble sailing into the water. "Oh, hello!" A voice called from beyond the water's edge. Scorpion lifted her gaze. The fish was before her, swaying from side to side. "My," began Fish, "you're simply gorgeous! Come for a swim?" For a long moment she said nothing. Her mind reeled for a reply from suddenly absent thoughts. "Um- uh- I can't swim." Scorpion stated, kicking herself. "That's a shame." Fish said with a slight and fleeting frown, and slipped beneath the water. "W-wait!" Cried Scorpion. But it was too late. He was gone. "I love you." She whispered after him. Her small body shuddered with a sigh. Half defeated and half ecstatic. The interaction, though brief, was more than she had dared to hope for. She watched Fish leap until the sun passed behind the thick canopy of trees. With sunlight and shadows dancing across the river, she turned to crawl back to her lair.