Sweet Hitch-Hiker

I'm halfway through the day's photography assignment; I've been working for hours.

I find a bench in a quiet park, setting my backpack on the path so I can retrieve my lunch. Looking down, I notice I've picked up a hitch-hiker; it must have joined me while I was in Kowloon Walled City Park.

The juvenile praying mantis is no bigger than the nail of my little finger. I maneuver the delicate insect from the shoulder strap of my pack toward the tip of my index finger. It climbs aboard with great reluctance.

Behind me is a small forest of bamboo shoots. I turn and bring my hand to a leaf. The mantis scampers toward it from my finger, scurrying up the leaf's broad surface and into the shade, its tiny green body blending with the foliage.

In moments, it's camouflaged; I don't even have time to get a macro shot.

With a small smile of delight, I return to my meal.

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