Alas! The Giant Krypto-Ants were infected with a serious illness! They lost their bright coloring, grew listless, and sometimes died. Lana did all she could: brought them sugar and meteor rocks, read them stories about princesses, and even re-decorated their tunnels in cheerful pink.
Unfortunately, once all the grateful giant insects had recovered, Lana herself started feeling bad. The doctors at Smallville Med Center were completely baffled, and Clark didn't realize that the big Kryptonite-infested bugs he kept valiantly chasing away were only trying to help.
Lana lost her pink coloration, grew more and more listless, and finally perished.
Darn.
Even an invulerable alien should probably avoid repeated Kryptonite exposure.
He could have worn one of those film badges, Clark thought feverishly, or just stayed away from Luthor. No. Even if he'd known that someday he wouldn't just bounce back from the effects of that doggone ring, Clark couldn't have left him alone. He had to protect the world from Lex, and protect Lex from the world, and get to the bathroom right away.
After flushing, Clark leaned against the cool porcelain. The doorbell rang. He didn't get up. Someone came in anyway.
"I got rid of it," Lex said.