This was when a new irrational fear cropped up. I became obsessed with an insignificant part of the human anatomy. Namely, my uvula, the little piece of lobe that hangs at the back of your throat. I was fascinated by what exactly its function was, but troubled that it appeared loose when I opened my mouth and watched it dangling and jiggling in the reflection of the bathroom mirror. I became convinced that this inconsequential orifice would detach and fall out when I least expected it. Even worse, I might swallow it. If my throat became dry and too much saliva built up, that thing might snap
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