For forty-two years at Crenshaw Elementary, Nurse Simmons bandaged scrapes, iced bumps, and wiped tiny tears. All the while she ignored the taunting titters her crossed eyes and gnarled ears evoked.
During her final week, she rewarded her patients with delicious homemade lollipops. Students began inventing ailments. Her line soon stretched down the hall.
“What are the dots?” Johnny asked while she checked his temperature.
“Something extra special for all you sweet angels,” Simmons replied.
Monday, after she’d retired far away, the first eggs hatched. Lodged deep in little throat linings, the screwworms started devouring the children from the inside.
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