I found 30 red spots on my husband’s back that looked like insect eggs.

He nodded gravely. “We can’t be certain yet, but it looks deliberate. We’ve already contacted the authorities.”

The words felt heavy — unreal — like I was suddenly living in someone else’s nightmare.

The Investigation

Two police officers arrived within minutes. The sterile scent of the hospital room was now mixed with tension. They asked questions rapidly — about David’s job, his recent activities, anyone who might hold a grudge.

“Does he work with chemicals?”
“Any recent arguments at work?”
“Has anyone in your family shown similar symptoms?”

“He works in construction,” I replied shakily. “He’s been on a new site outside of town for the past few months. Long hours… new crew.”

When I mentioned that sometimes David came home with a strange, metallic smell on his clothes, one of the detectives glanced sharply at the doctor.

“That might be our lead,” he murmured.

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