Emma Bee and Her First Cold

by E K Garrigan
(New York City)

Emma hopped around her favorite yellow tulips late in the day. She knew she had to be going soon, but she was so excited by the nectar. After she was done gathering, she glanced up at the cloudy sky.

“Oh no,” she said, “I’m going to be late for dinner!” She buzzed off as quick as her wings could take her. She flew around almond trees and through patches of beautiful flowers. Just as she thought she was home free, a fat drop hit her from above. In an instant, Emma was soaked and on the ground.

The clouds poured down rain and trapped Emma beneath a sparse bush. “Oh, this rain,” she grumbled, “Now I have to wait for it to stop until I can go home.” She shivered. Today was not going as well as she had hoped.

Hours later, after Emma and the plants had a thorough shower, the rain stopped. The skies cleared up and the moon lit up the way home. She buzzed up to the hive and ran right into her friends Amy and Stacy. They had been waiting at the entrance.

“Emma,” they cried, “you’re soaking wet. Where have you been?” Emma flicked her wings in dismay.

“I got caught in the rain,” she started to say but erupted into a volley of coughs. Amy and Stacy looked at her with concern. Before they could comfort Emma, another bee walked up to the group.

“Emma, the Queen wants to see you,” the bee said. “Come on.” Emma followed the bee into the Queen’s chamber, where she was subjected to a furious scolding for being late. Emma managed to hold in any coughs until she was back in her sleeping area.

There, she coughed all night long. Big coughs, little coughs, coughs that seemed to shake the very fabric of the hive. Emma didn’t get a wink of sleep.

The next morning, all the bees grumbled at Emma when she walked into the main chamber. “None of us could sleep!” they cried. “Your coughing kept us all up.” Emma wanted to apologize, but only managed a couple more coughs.

Before she could leave for the days work, another bee summoned her to the Queen’s chamber.

“Emma,” the Queen said, “I hear you have a bad cold. As did the rest of the hive, I’m sure.” Emma nodded meekly and wondered if she was going to be subject to another scolding.

Instead, the Queen smiled at Emma. “I know just the thing to fix you up.” She gestured to an attendant bee. “I want you to drink this mixture and stay in bed for the next couple of days. We need you whole and well to collect all the things the hive needs.” The attendant pushed over a flower bud full of liquid.

Emma sipped at it experimentally. “Why, this is delicious,” she said. She looked up at the Queen. “What is it?”

“It’s our own warm honey, mixed with some lemon. It should help your cold and make you well again. Now, go get some rest. I’ll have my attendant bring up this cup.” The Queen smiled and dismissed Emma.

Emma stayed in bed for a couple days and sipped at her drink. The first night, her coughing was down to only a few fits. The second night, she didn’t cough once. She hopped down to the main room the next morning.

Amy and Stacy were there to greet her. “Emma,” Amy said, “Your cough must be gone. No one heard anything at all!” Stacy nodded in agreement.

“It’s true,” said Emma. “The Queen gave me some honey and lemon. After that and a bit of rest, I feel as good as new.” She buzzed around to prove her point.

“Of course,” she added hastily, “That doesn’t mean I plan on getting stuck in any more rain showers.” Amy and Stacy laughed, and the three happy bees went on to do their days work.