Summer Approaches on many legs

Breakfast is made as usual. The food is plated and moved to the table. Before eating, I wash the pan and spatula. I dry my hands and my gaze falls to the floor. It is only then that I notice the many crawling ants. They cover the tile of the kitchen floor. They do not move in a line, but rather run in confused circles as though lost. I crouch close and follow their numbers until their origin is revealed in a crack under the cabinet.

o0o

In the early afternoon, I water my plants in the bathroom window. Last year, there were wasps on both sides of the glass making every shower rushed. This year, I hope they will be deterred by the garlic, rosemary, sage and thyme I've planted. So far, I have only seen two wasps total, and even that was a while ago. Maybe this summer, they will leave me be. 

However, as I leaned in to water one of my plants, I paused at what I can only describe as a scratching- or maybe the chewing of drywall. Some creature- it could be insect or mammal, big or small- is doing..... something to the wall. Maybe they are carpenter ants eating at the support beams. Maybe they are rats making a home. I cannot see anything; only hear.

When I go to shower at night, I can still hear them chipping away at the wall. 

o0o

The rain poured harder than I have heard it pour in a long time. With the heavy rain came loud shrieking from the alley way outside my bedroom window. I heard at least three rats squealing. Of course, the smart rats sought shelter from the down pour. Unfortunately for me, that shelter is my bedroom ceiling. The same ceiling with multiple gaping holes. Fortunately, only one hole is big enough for the rats to peak their head through. I say rats, but really it is only this one rat. It has been the same rat for a long time now. It is white, with a pink nose and long white whiskers. It is about the size of a kitten or small chihuahua, and certainly bigger than my hand. I know, because I have seen it on many occasions peak it's nose through my ceiling. It is repelled by loud noises and this Rat Shield Pest Deterrent spray my roommate's father gifted me. Best. Gift. Ever. Though, I am running out. 

I thought the rat had left with the cold weather, but I suppose it is always nearby in case it needs to seek shelter once more. 

o0o

The world is waking up again, and I wish it would fall back asleep.