Also, the back of her neck turned green, and little fluid-filled bumps started to appear under the skin.

“Hey,” she asked, “can I have a helmet? I’m really worried about getting hit on the back of the head. Oh, and a terrarium. Like you know, it would be cool to have some pets. Like things that need to be kept warm but not too warm, and I need to feed them and protect them, and-”

“You’re describing nesting behavior,” Abid said. “I think those things on the back of your neck are eggs, and the parasite is compelling you to want to protect them.”

“Oh my god,” Chaya said. She scrunched her hands up into fists, and held them tight against her chest. She was so happy she cried. “I’m going to be a mother?”