EPISODE 1 – DESPAIRA tiny mite becomes the biggest threat to humanity in a sci-fi story about obsession, infection, and the fight for survival.
A tiny mite becomes the biggest threat to humanity in a sci-fi story about obsession, infection, and the fight for survival.
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⚠️ Although the basic condition is common, details that evolve in this story are fictional. Learn more from linked references throughout.
Dry Dermatology
Sarah is a young woman who promotes skincare on social media. She follows all the latest trends and is always looking for the next big thing to keep her skin looking flawless. So when she starts experiencing hardening, flaky skin, she makes an appointment with her dermatologist.
Sarah rushes into Dr. Kim’s office, her face red and her eyes puffy. “Dr. Kim, thank God you’re here. Look at my skin! It’s all dry and flaky. And these tiny bumps, they’re everywhere!”
Dr. Kim examines Sarah’s skin closely. “It looks like a mild case of eczema. I’ll prescribe you some ointments, and you should start seeing improvement in a few days.”
But Sarah’s condition only worsens. “Dr. Kim, my face is not getting better. It’s getting worse! I can’t even do my social media broadcasts anymore. My followers are asking me what’s wrong, and I don’t know what to tell them.”
Dr. Kim sighs. “Let me take another look.” He examines her skin under a magnifying glass and discovers the infestation of Demodex mites. “I’m sorry, Sarah. You have a Demodex mite infestation. It’s rare for someone your age but this manifestation is a serious condition.”
Sarah’s eyes widen. “Demodex mites? What are those?”
“They are tiny mites that live on your skin. They’re usually harmless, but in some cases, they can cause severe skin problems like what you’re experiencing. But don’t worry, I can treat it.”
Sarah lets out a sigh of relief. “Ahh! I don’t want bugs in my face! Thank goodness you can fix it, Dr. Kim.”
But as the treatment progresses, the situation worsens. The condition inflames Sarah’s skin, and the mites continue to spread. She returns to Dr. Kim’s office, this time visibly upset.
“Dr. Kim, what’s happening to me? The boils on my face are getting bigger and bigger! I can’t even leave the house like this.”
Dr. Kim furrows his brow. “This is highly unusual. I’ve never seen anything like this before. Maybe you’re allergic to the mites. We have to find a solution fast.”
Sarah’s eyes well up with tears. “I can’t lose my career because of this. I can’t let this happen!”
Placing his hand on Sarah’s shoulder, Dr. Kim replies, “We’ll find a way, Sarah. I promise you that.” With concern, he continues. “Sarah, please don’t do anything drastic. We’ll find a way to help you. I promise.”
Demodex Disaster
But as the days go by, Sarah’s condition only worsens. She returns to Dr. Kim’s office, frustration written all over her face.
“Dr. Kim, I can’t take this anymore. I have to do something about these giant boils on my face. They’re ruining my career.”
Dr. Kim shakes his head. “I understand how you feel, Sarah, but we’re doing everything we can. We can’t just snap our fingers and make this go away.”
With a voice trembling from emotion, she replies, “But I can’t just sit here and do nothing. I have to find a solution, no matter what it takes.” For now, that means using ineffective cosmetic concealers in combination with prescription ointments.
Despite her doctor’s best efforts, the mites seem to be fighting back against all treatments. Deep down, she refuses to give up. Her determination to beat the mites and reclaim her flawless skin is relentless.
The mites continue to spread throughout her face and the population. What initially appeared as a few cases in specific regions is now becoming a much bigger problem. Dermatologists across the country are seeing patients with symptoms like Sarah’s. And they are all struggling to find a solution.
Continue…
Return twice weekly for miniseries. Any relation to actual persons or events is coincidental. Login provides the most immersive experience. About 1400 total words.
