The Adventures of Maya the Bee

"[...] The stranger’s emphatic tone, so sharp and vicious, frightened Maya dreadfully. In a few moments she heard the sound of someone running out. The beetle returned and sullenly flung down some nectar. “An outrage,” he said. “You can’t escape those vermin anywhere. They don’t allow you a moment’s peace.” Maya was so hungry she forgot to thank him and took a mouthful of nectar and chewed, while the beetle wiped the perspiration from his forehead and slightly loosened his upper armor so as to catch his breath. “Who was that?” mumbled Maya, with her mouth still full.[...]".