Arthur hesitated. He knew the warnings about counterfeit pills pressed with chalk or, worse, fentanyl. He knew the legal gray area of importing controlled substances. But then he tried to stand up to reach for a glass of water, and the lightning bolt in his spine made the decision for him.

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more

The silence of the flat was heavy as he considered the reality of the situation. People talked about "dark web" pharmacies and miracle deliveries, but they rarely mentioned the packages seized by customs, the identity theft, or the pills that turned out to be nothing more than compressed plaster and dangerous fillers. Using an unregulated site meant bypassing every safety check designed to keep a person alive.