The Unsettling Undertakings of the Pantomime-Performing Praying Mantis

Once upon a bizarre Tuesday, Mike, a humble praying mantis with
an unusual hobby, decided to put up a solo pantomime show. No,
the praying mantis community wasn’t known for their theatrical
leanings, but Mike was anything but your average mantis. “The
world needs laughter,” Mike would often say, adjusting his
invisible hat and primping his pretend mustache under his
oversized leafy home. His insect-sized white gloves, despite
their constant stumbles, were his prized possessions. Late
afternoon, under the marquee of a toadstool, Mike performed an
absurd mime act unveiling an invisible wall, pulling on unseen
ropes, climbing ladders that didn't exist, and in a grand finale,
trapped in an imaginary box. His antics left the woodland
creatures in hoots; beetles rolled with mirth, butterflies
fluttered with giggles, and the finches sang songs of joy.
Surprisingly, his biggest fan was a grumpy old toad. “I don’t
like much, but this mantis, he cracks me up!" the toad croaked
between fits of laughter as the mantis continued his incredible
endeavours in pantomime.