My Parasite

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(illustration by EMEK)

“It’s a tapeworm,” said Dr. Chen as she came into the exam room.

She seemed excited.

“A tapeworm?” I asked.

I’d lost ten pounds in the past month alone, and was down, since November, from 165 pounds to 150. I was often dizzy , always tired, and felt a chill even in the bright midday sun.

“Big one, too,” said Dr. Chen. “Step on the scal…