The Amputation

Cymothoa exigua, also known as the tongue-eating louse, is a parasite that relies entirely on a host to survive.

It enters through a fish's gills and attaches itself to the base of the tongue.

By severing the nerves and constricting blood flow, the parasite causes the organ to atrophy and eventually fall off.

The louse then anchors itself to the remaining stub, functionally replacing the tongue and living as a prosthetic within the fish’s mouth.

Natsukashi Miyako, a former alchemist now in her thirties, takes a position as a caretaker for a wealthy, disabled woman named Amber Woods.

Despite being a widow in her forties, Amber possesses a striking, timeless beauty, characterized by a pale, glowing complexion and an hourglass physique.

However, the most arresting detail of her appearance is one of her surgically removed leg.

Even while confined to a wheelchair, her presence is commanding enough to steal the glance of anyone in the room.

Although Amber has a daughter, she is consumed by an obsession with her own beauty.

With each passing day, her disdain for her aging body grows.

Her daughter, Martha Woods, is as beautiful as Amber was in her glory days.

Amber provides Martha with everything a child could desire, from exquisite toys to luxurious garments, until the girl resembles a living doll.

However, witnessing her daughter’s blossoming beauty while her own fades leaves Amber nauseated; whenever she glimpses herself in the mirror, it serves as a bitter reminder of her current state.

The family lives in Aomori, Japan. But, the name 'Amber' shows her foreign origins; her family is not from Japan.

Her wealth stems from a family-owned cosmetic empire.

As the sole heir, Amber takes full control of the business, but the company ultimately collapses, leading her to sell the remaining assets for a sum large enough to sustain her for a lifetime.

Her fixation on aesthetics is so profound that she acquires rare beauty products, from fine mascaras and face powders to lipsticks, that are far beyond the reach of any middle-class family in the 1900s.

The villa is a monument to luxury and vintage charm.

Sparkling chandeliers hang from the ceilings, casting light across polished wooden floors and walls adorned with exquisite paintings.

One particular piece depicts a musical instrument that bears a striking resemblance to a guitar.

With its ornately designed windows, every corner of the house exudes an air of timeless wealth.

As Amber’s caretaker, Miyako manages everything from the laundry and the upkeep of the villa to the needs of Amber’s daughter.

The pristine state of the home is a testament to her diligence.

However, Amber’s true reason for hiring an alchemist goes beyond domestic chores. Miyako also serves as her private dermatologist and beautician.

Consumed by a terror of aging, Amber eventually demands something impossible, an Elixir of Immortality, from Miyako.

Miyako spends months trying to make it. After many failures, she finally finds the courage to say that such a potion does not exist.

Amber snaps.

Furious that her hope was just a lie, she demands a brutal penance.

As punishment for the false hope, Amber forces the removal of Miyako’s index finger.

As the days pass, Amber’s narcissism intensifies into a fever dream.

She spends hours before the glass in her wheelchair, whispering to her own reflection.

 "Why am I so beautiful? How sweet... did you just call me beautiful? Look at yourself—you are almost as lovely as I am."

Amber feels that the woman in the mirror is the only person worthy of her conversation.

"Martha, what are you doing here?" 

Amber’s voice slices through the damp air of the basement.

"I told you never to come down here while I am talking to my friend! There will be a punishment if this happens again. Miyako! Miyako!"

"Yes, Lady Amber," Miyako replies, her voice low and steady despite the tension.

Amber pulls out a sharp, wooden comb, its teeth tapering to needle-like points. 

"Extend your hand, Miyako."

Miyako obeys, though her voice trembles slightly. 

"Lady Amber, it won’t happen again. Please... I apologize for her. Forgive us."

Without a word, Amber drags the sharp teeth of the comb across the bare skin of Miyako’s left hand.

She presses down until the skin cuts, blood seeps out.

"See to it that this never happens again," Amber shouts.

"Yes, my lady," Miyako whispers, clutching her bleeding hand while her eyes fill with tears.

Amber turns back to her reflection, her expression turns into a hollow smile.

"Now, where were we? Yes... your skin is velvety, truly, but it could never compare to mine."

Miyako stands frozen, her eyes were fixed on Amber.

"What are you staring at?"

Amber snaps, her eyes were flashing in the mirror.

 "Take her away."

As Miyako leads Martha out of the basement, she feels Amber’s gaze burn into them; specifically, Amber’s eyes remain fixed, cold and envious, on the girl’s legs.