Mike studies the ants as they walk past, nodding. "And wonder how big she is. They do seem to have an agenda of some kind..."

One of the little workers tries to hoist its load up a step, and ends up stuck, struggling to finish the maneuver and unable to. At the moment, none of the others are near. On impulse, Mike walks over and gives the ant a gentle boost up the step. It stops, puts its load down, and turns around, touching his hand with its feelers for a moment. Then it picks up the load and continues on.

"That was interesting."

Mike clearly has no aversion to creepy-crawly things, and is starting to look at the house speculatively. Like he's thinking about going inside.