The days passed by in more or less the same way. Atta continued to care for Flik in her room with the help of Dr. Flora while her mother handled most colony affairs. She changed his bandages and kept him medicated which meant he slept most of the time. While he slept, Atta was able to take care of some colony business. Her presence appeased some of the workers, although not all of them. Dot only left Flik's side when she went to school or when she slept in her own room.
After a few weeks, the lacerations on Flik's back, wrists, and ankles slowly faded to a healthy pink as the edges of his exoskeleton coalesced. His hand still needed to remain in a cast for several more weeks. Bruises still mottled his exterior, but most of the swelling had gone down. While the physical damage would heal, it was the mental anguish that may never be fixed.
What troubled Atta the most was that Flik hadn't spoken since he'd been back and it was beginning to worry her. He was usually so loquacious and cheerful. Seeing the state he was in crushed her.
Atta was outside with the Queen overseeing the spring harvest. They were speaking with Thorny about the numbers so far and the expected turn out. Since the council meeting, everyone had been civil. However, there were some matters that she would not bring up in front of the others.
Once they were alone, Atta asked the Queen, "Mother, can I speak with you for a moment?"
"Of course, dear," the Queen replied.
"I'm worried about Flik. His injuries are healing, but he hasn't said a word since he's been back," Atta said.
"That is troubling, but understandable considering all he's been through. I'm sure he'll come around in time. Maybe try reassuring him," said the Queen.
Atta paused and considered what her mother had said.
After thinking for a moment, she asked, "What will we do when the grasshoppers come back?"
At this, the Queen grew pale and frowned slightly.
"We'll just have to try to appease them when they return," said the Queen solemnly.
"I don't want them to hurt him again," said Atta anxiously.
"I know, dear. We'll just do the best we can," the Queen replied. "Atta, I know you care about Flik very much, but what do you plan to do long-term?"
Heat rose to Atta's cheeks as she asked, "What do you mean?"
"I mean, he's been staying with you for quite awhile and I know you care for him," she responded.
"I just want to make sure he gets well. It isn't like that . . ." Atta trailed off.
The Queen patted her daughter's hand. "Well, if the situation changes, just know that I'll support whatever decision you make."
"Mother, I just feel so guilty. I feel like it's all my fault," she said.
"Dear, it's like I told you before, it's our lot in life. Maybe it was wrong for you to send him away, but what they did to him isn't your fault," her mother answered.
Atta smiled sadly at her mother. "Thank you," she said. "It's getting late. Is there anything else you need me to do? If not, I'm going to turn in."
"No, dear. You go on to bed. I'll see you in the morning," said the Queen.
Atta turned away from the setting sun and headed back inside the anthill.
When she got back to her room, she saw that Flik had dozed off in one of the chairs in the sitting area. It was good to see him out of bed, at least. She noticed that his food from earlier had barely been touched and she frowned slightly. Flik hardly ate and when he did it wasn't much.
Atta gently shook Flik's shoulder and his eyes slowly fluttered open. At this moment, he looked so peaceful, but then worry crept into his features. After a moment, he calmed when he realized it was just her. His eyes became clouded and dull, and he averted his gaze and stared at the floor.
"Are you feeling okay?"
When Flik didn't acknowledge her question, she continued, "You hardly touched your dinner."
Flik remained silent and turned to look at the mostly untouched bowl.
"I can get you something else if you'd like?"
Flik slowly shook his head in response, his eyes fixed on the floor.
The pitter-patter of small footsteps jerked both of their heads toward the entrance.
Dot slowly crept into the room and peered around the corner. When she saw Flik, her face changed from trepidation to delight and she scampered over to him. Flik also seemed to brighten a little when Dot entered the room. He helped lift her up onto his lap and she rested her head against his chest.
"Such a long day," said Dot aloud to no one in particular.
Flik hummed in response as he pet the back of her head.
Dot didn't seem to mind that Flik didn't speak, she simply found comfort in his presence.
Atta's thoughts drifted as she watched Flik and Dot. She worried about the world outside her doors. Flik was going to have to leave her room at some point.
The rest of the evening passed in relative silence. Flik and Dot eventually dozed off in the bed while Atta stayed up well into the night.
A few days passed before Atta found the courage she needed to enact her plan. Late in the afternoon, after most of the workers had gone inside the anthill, Atta led Flik by the arm outside. He began trembling the moment they set foot outside her door.
As they crested the top of the anthill, the dimming light stung Flik's unaccustomed eyes, and he squinted at the setting sun.
A few of the remaining workers stopped and stared, but Atta ignored them. Flik ducked his head when he noticed them. He hadn't seen anyone else from the colony in months, and their presence frightened him.
Atta took Flik past the workers toward the clover forest. She headed toward a secluded spot near the beach with Flik in tow. She thought it would be good for him to be outside, and this was the least busy time of the day. She motioned for him to sit down next to her on the river bank. They sat there together in idle silence and watched the sun set. After a long while, Atta began, "Flik, I know you're hurting, but I want you to know that you can talk to me."
A slight breeze blew through the air and Flik began to tremble, whether from the cold or from what she had said she didn't know. The princess moved closer to him and placed her hand over his.
"Please say something. Anything," begged Atta. When he still didn't look up, Atta gently turned his face so that he was facing her. "Please look at me," she whispered quietly. Flik's eyes fluttered and he obediently looked up at her. It was the first time he had actually looked at her since he returned, and she noticed the sorrow and fear in his once bright eyes. "It's okay, you can talk to me," she said, lightly squeezing his hand for emphasis.
Something broke inside him when he looked in the princess's soft, pleading eyes. His bottom lip began to tremble and tears welled in his eyes.
After several moments when he still didn't speak, Atta boldly went on, " I . . . I know that they hurt you, but I'm here now, and I promise, I won't let them touch you again."
Something about the sureness in her voice and the regretful look in her eyes registered with Flik.
She knew.
At that, Flik's composure was lost completely, and he choked on the broken sobs that escaped his body. Atta quickly gathered Flik up in her arms and embraced him tightly.
"Shhh, it's okay. It's okay. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," Atta repeated earnestly. She cradled the back of his head and held him to her chest as his body sobs racked with sobs. She hadn't meant for this to happen.
Flik found comfort in her touch, but he was revolted with himself. The shame and embarrassment of what they did to him burned in his chest and made him sick to his stomach. Knowing that the princess knew felt like the world was crashing down around him.
How could he ever look at her again? How could she even stand to be around him? Didn't he disgust her?
Suddenly, Atta gently lifted up his head. Tears had pooled in her own eyes but she needed to reassure him.
"I'm so sorry, but it's okay," she said as she caressed the side of his face. Tears continued to spill down his bruised cheeks. A stray teardrop slid down the scar under his left eye and onto his split lip. To see him so broken was painful. Flik used to have such a bright, sunny disposition that matched his sky blue exterior. His eyes used to shine with excitement and wonder. Now, he was broken. That once bright light snuffed out.
After several long seconds she continued, "It's okay. You don't have to say anything. I'm sorry. Just know that I'll always be here."
Flik couldn't take anymore. Despite how he felt, he felt the urge to repent for what he had done. He choked as he tried to get the words out. He was so sorry for everything he had done. He needed her to know.
"I . . . I-I'm sorry," Flik whispered between sobs. He shook harder as the words finally escaped from his lips. "P-please, I'm sorry. So sorry," he repeated desperately.
Atta's eyes widened at his apology. She had no idea that he'd been feeling this way. Before Flik could say anything else, Atta held his face between her hands and said, "You have nothing to be sorry for. If anything, this is my fault. I'm so sorry I told you to leave. I wish I could take it back." She thumbed away the tears that continued to fall down his face before embracing him again. They stayed like that for a long time, huddled together on the river's edge. When the sun finally set, Atta helped Flik to his feet and led him back home. All the way back to the anthill, they walked hand-in-hand in peaceful silence.
It was the middle of spring. In the desert, the nights were cold but the days were nice and mild. Hopper stared out across the horizon watching the sunset. He was deep in contemplation. It may come as a surprise to know what the grasshopper leader was thinking about. It wasn't of control or conquest.
Rather, it was about an ant. A specific blue ant that had ruined his plans and nearly cost him his food supply. He couldn't stop thinking about him. The way he felt, the way he moved, the sounds he made. Hopper regretted returning him, but he had wanted to make an example out of the ant. If he could do it over, he would've kept him locked up in his personal room away from his men. That way, he could've had the ant whenever he wanted. Ultimately, he feared that keeping him to himself would show weakness or lack of restraint instead of authority.
He no longer cared about what the rest of his gang thought. When they returned in the summer, Hopper would take him back. They would arrive earlier than planned. The ants surely wouldn't have enough food and would need to be punished. Yes, that would work nicely.
Hopper smirked at his new plan, and to no one in particular said, "See you soon."