The presidential cabinet huddled in their murky war room to discuss rejecting the enemy’s offer without escalating tensions.

“Send them an insult disguised as a gift,” said the president, “maybe a box of chocolates-covered ants?”

“One problem,” said a diplomat. “They’re insectivores. They won’t take ants for a no, sir.”

Marsrick is a social worker living in the Midwest. Read more short writings at marsrick.com.