Microscopic Brain Munchers- A Monologue

Billy asked me to go camping three months ago. I have to give him my answer by next week... Of course I want to go, but... Bugs, plants, DIRT. Did you know that there is a microscopic bacteria that lives in lakes that eats brains? It's called Naegleria fowleri, and it gets in through your ears and you don't even notice it's there until you're dead and it's feasting on mooshy brain matter! If that doesn't happen, I might get poison ivy, or poison oak, or have to gut a fish! I could get ecoli or rabies! There are too many things that could kill me out there, ticks and leeches, sharp rocks and mosquitos! I have to worry about lyme's disease and microscopic brain munchers...

But Billy's always told me to take more risks. I care a lot about him, and I'd love nothing more than to go with him. But I'm too scared...

Do you know why I won't take medication, Dr. Worrman? Because even if I get all calm and don't worry about diseases and injuries, it wouldn't be me. I have to do it myself, you know? Get over these phobia, I mean. I have to take my fears and... and conquer them myself. Everybody thinks I'm crazy, even you. But Billy doesn't, he never has. That's why I am so glad he asked me this three months ago; he knows me. He knows how long I take to think things over. I'm still scared, and I still think that I'll come back with all sorts of infectious diseases, rashes, and brain-eating organisms... But come hell or high water, I am going camping with Billy Kowalski. If I don't... I will never be the friend he deserves.