The impression they gave Michael was unmistakable.
Parasitic.
It reminded him of a parasite he had once read about.
Spinochordodes tellinii.
A horsehair worm.
It infected insects, most commonly grasshoppers and crickets, entering their bodies when they consumed contaminated material. At first, nothing appeared wrong. The host continued feeding. Moving. Living normally.
But the parasite grew. It fed and coiled itself within the host's body cavity, absorbing nutrients while remaining hidden.
And when it reached maturity, it took control.
The infected insect, a creature that instinctively avoided water its entire life, began to behave differently. It wandered without purpose. Paused at strange intervals. Lost awareness of danger.
Then, inevitably, it approached water.
And it jumped.
