A new resident has joined us. I found this black widow living outside our bedroom slider.

The slider has a panel with a pet door affixed in place. I met her last night. Letting a cat in, I saw her skinny up a line from the door to the midpoint. Hanging there, she rotated, showing off her abs with its bold scarlet hourglass. When I brought the camera out, her shy side emerged and she shot up to her web in the corner.

I don’t know when she moved in. I chatted with her for a few seconds. She seems moody and distant.

I said, “Hi, I’m Michael.”

She studied me.

I shrugged. “New here?”

Silent staring was her response.

“So what do you do? Web designer?”

“Stay-at-home mom. Gotta go.”

She headed toward a space in the door frame, folding herself in, and pretended to sleep.

I took my photo and went away. I’m sure we’ll meet again. Maybe she’ll be friendlier next time.