The Problem With Ticks

THE CHRONICLES

Dear Chronicle,

Today, I wanna talk about a guy named Ticks.

I don't know who he is or what he wants.
But I know he's out there.
And I know he's after me.

How do I know this?

Because every single morning, before I go outside, Mom sprays me with the Stinky Spray.
She says it's because of Ticks.

Now I don't know what kind of guy needs almost an entire bottle of Stinky Spray to keep him away, but I have to assume he's trouble.

Naturally, this raises a few questions.

Who is this Ticks?
Where does he live?
And why is he waiting for me in the grass?

Because apparently, that's where he hangs out.
In the grass.
Or in the leaves.
Just lurking.
Waiting for me to walk by.

I have never seen him. Not once.
But apparently, he can see me.

Giggle Sprout says that's because Ticks is in disguise.

In disguise?
I don't like the sound of that. Not one bit.

I mean, what kind of fellow dresses up, hides in the grass and waits for unsuspecting dachshunds?

A suspicious fellow, that's what.

So I've decided to keep an eye on things.
The grass. The leaves. The bushes.

Basically, anything that looks like it might be hiding a guy named Ticks.

Giggle Sprout says I shouldn't worry because Ticks is likely very tiny.
He says I probably wouldn't even notice him.

Well.

That's just great.

A tiny troublemaker hiding in the grass, wearing a disguise, and waiting for me to walk by.

And somehow, I'm the one who has to wear the Stinky Spray?