About 10 years. Just after I graduated college.

The doctors have told me there is an unusual mass near my spinal column. There are also what appear to be growths in my small intestine. I keep telling them they’re parasites, but they’re not listening.

I’m about to be moved to a different hospital. They say it’s “better equipped” to deal with this kind of stuff.

The doctors still aren’t telling me much. I feel like my floor might have been quarantined. I haven’t seen any other patients since this morning.

They aren’t giving me much information. I’ve been told my test results were “unusual.” I’m being admitted for monitoring. They want to do more tests tomorrow.

A lot of comments have been suggesting this. I think I will at least write her a letter or something.

That’s a fair point. No parent is perfect. A lot of these comments have convinced me. I think I may try to reach out in some way.

Looking into the men might be a good place to start. I never actually saw any of them. Even that night, the guy was out the door before I came out of my room. But, maybe if I look into missing people around my hometown I can learn something.

A lot of these comments really have me considering reaching out to her. Maybe just responding to one of her letters.

Y’all have certainly given me another perspective to think about.

If she was okay with me staying human? Maybe. It would take some work, but I think we could work things out. But I get the feeling, especially from the notes promising me that one day I’ll change my mind, that ultimately it’s not my choice.

The terminology you used, apex predator, that scares me. Because you’re absolutely right, she is an apex predator.

I’ve thought about it. She is still my mom, and I do still love her. She raised me all by herself. But standing there in the hallway that night, seeing her covered in blood… that image has haunted me for years. I know that ultimately she wants me to become that. And that terrifies me. Maybe some day I’ll have the courage to talk to her again. But not yet…

I know, right? I’ve tried to understand, as much as I can, and I think losing my dad really tipped her over the edge. In her notes, she still mentions him. She thinks if he just would’ve turned we could all still be together.