It's encouraging to see a photo with this much substance almost break a 5.0. When I watch hens and roosters doing their chicken thing it can be disheartening when I realize there are maybe two or three degrees that separate myself from them.
I took a look at the Nine challenge, ended up not voting on it, because I only found a couple that held my interest more than a second - and one of them was this one. Had a strong suspicion it was you.
No clue what it has to do with the challenge but this is heartbreakingly beautiful and very tender. No disrespect to that wonderful guy you live with, but my dear, you are quite the artist. (He's not bad, but I think you have the edge in some respects.)
Lots of drama even if it is not so clear just where the "nine" fits. It took me a while to notice that the large dark critter isn't a spider. Gradation of greens in background adds interest.