March 25th - A Deal

Not too long ago, my boyfriend, Austin, and I struck a deal. For those who know me, you know about my distaste for spiders. Distaste might be too lax of a term. Irrational fear is slightly more accurate. For those who know Austin, you know of his own irrational fear of sticking his hand down the disposal. It’s just spooky in there, is a direct quote.

So it was decided. I manage the disposal, while he manages the disposal of spiders.

I’m rinsing my plate off when the sink begins to gurgle. There’s a slight sputter, followed by a slow rise of murky water. My time has come. I roll up my sleeve as Austin watches from a considerable distance.

Plunge.

As soon as my hand touches something non-metal, I know the culprit of today’s flood. I move my hand in a few circles, trying my best to grab every last one, and pull it back up. A full handful of sweet potato skins.

I look over at Austin, his face twisted in a look of disgust.

How many spiders is this worth? I ask him as I shake off the skins and make my way to the trash.

At least ten.

I grin and stick my hand back in for round two. Ten will get me far. Months, even. The best part? We both think we have the better side of this bargain.