Oysters of Phlegm

Phlegm is the kind of mucus produced in the lower respiratory tract: the lungs and its airways. Thicker than the mucus produced in the nose and sinuses, it’s a sticky, gel-like substance composed of water, proteins, antibodies, enzymes, and salts. It helps trap and remove inhaled particles, such as dust, allergens, and bacteria and keeps the system lubricated.

The word phlegm, however, has a different historical meaning. It was derived from the Greek word phlégma meaning inflammation. In ancient and medieval medical theory, phlegm was one of the four essential bodily fluids (humors), alongside blood, yellow bile, and black bile. Accordingly, these four humors were responsible for person's physical health, mental state, and temperament. An imbalance in these humors was believed to cause illness. So, for example, individuals with an excess of phlegm were considered phlegmatic, that is, they were thought to be sluggish and apathetic.

But in “Deadly Confrontation,” Miriam’s adversary did not have an inflammation when coughing up phlegm. Instead, Miriam had slapped her antagonist so hard, that the culprit spun across the room, spitting teeth and spewing oysters of phlegm. That’s when Miriam delivered her uppercut. Two more blows and her opponent doubled over, hitting the floor like a bag of sand.

Her antagonist is anything but phlegmatic. And don’t you be either. While you’re waiting for “Deadly Confrontation” to be published in Black Sheep: Unique Tales of Terror and Wonder, pick out another Miriam bat Isaac short story. Some you can read for free. Just click here.