when i was ten or eleven, i went with my mom to an allergy doctor in winston-salem who stuck me again and again, inserting some sort of serum just under the skin of my upper arm. it was determined that i was allergic to dust, mold, feathers, pet dander, peanuts, and some other things i can't remember.
i had to give my parakeet (who used to peck at my pencil while i tried to do my homework) to my best friend.
and i had to get rid of my new purple-flowery down comforter.
but at least i didn't have to give myself shots every day like my mom did.