My Afternoon Was Transformed by This Bite, and I Learned Something About Lone Star Ticks

It began like any other Saturday: the sun was out, my lawn was acting up, and my dog Mochi had taken up his customary position beneath the ancient oak tree, watching without any intention of lending a hand. I was sweating, a little irritated, and completely unprepared for what was going to invade my life.

The Moment Everything Shifted
I got itchy in the middle of battling the mower. Nothing major, just a slight tingle on my ankle. However, there was something off about it. Instead of seeing an insect or a piece of grass when I looked down, I saw a speck with legs. It is black, little, and far too self-assured for its size.

I froze after bending down and flicking it off. A white spot. Exactly in the middle of its back