For those that haven’t read any of this yet go check out Part One here.
In a way I’m comforted that the mouthwash has at least purged my system of the infestation of eggs that had been laid inside me. But above it all I can still feel the movement. That squirm for an itch I can’t reach.
I look back at my reflection in the mirror. In the harsh electronic light, I see the shine of sweat on my face, the glisten of mouthwash residue. I turn my head from side to side and am sure I can see a small lump, just above the bridge of my nose.
Maybe I could squash it?
I hold up two fingers to caress the bump and then press against it hard. Fireworks again. Blinding pain. True agony and I cough and splutter into the sink. Then, almost, as if it’s laughing at me, I hear its buzz come from a different area, further back behind my nose. A place I can’t get to. I gingerly touch the swollen area again and realise that it’s not the wasp that’s there. It’s from where it has stung me.
The realisation that this thing is still alive and can sting me as many times as it wants, resets any wins I thought I had made in my battle. No, it was time to fight fire with fire.
Still looking at my reflection I see what’s behind me. The bath and shower. Above them both, in the dark far corner, the little web where Harry the spider lives. He doesn’t bother me, and I don’t bother him. He takes care of all those black flies that appear in the warmer months. He does all the insect-disposing tasks I need him to.
Now I have another job for him.
I scoop him carefully up into the palm of my hand. I can almost see his fear as he twitches backwards as my grip swarm around him. Then he’s in my hands and I’m back by the sink. Cautiously I open up my finger cages and Harry pauses still for a moment before scurrying off and onto the ceramic sink edge.
Exactly where I want him.
I lean down. My nostrils hover above him like a UFO about to abduct someone. Then I snort him up into me in a single sniff.
Let battle commence.
Photo by Niklas Garnholz on Unsplash