The worms in his brain are really starting to become troublesome. He finds himself saying things he would never say, and knows one of the worms sits in there, having gotten control of his speaking mechanisms, thinking things into his mouth. His doctor assures him the parasites, though incurable, will cause him no real harm. But the fact that they are in his brain is particularly disturbing; were they in his lungs or stomach, things would be easier. The worms sometimes override his arms and legs, cause him to chase after things suddenly or scratch his balls. Indeed, the worms are becoming a problem.

At first the doctors thought it was alien hand syndrome, a neural disease that causes one arm to move uncontrollably, even try to choke its victim. But a specialist concluded that the worms were simply operating his arms and legs against his will. He is about to see an expert in the study of this particular parasite, in the hopes of regaining control of his mind. This specialist told him on the phone there was a chance for a cure, that he shouldn't give up all hope. That is, unless the worms get control of the hope in his mind and override it with despair.