{C-6-A}

You carefully approach the box. Neko-chan peeks from around your leg as you open the lid. You peer in and spot a small ball python curled up on itself in the corner of the box.

“What is it?” Neko-chan asks.

“It’s a small snake,” you tell him. “I think it’s a python, but I’m not sure. I’ll lift it up and show you.” You lift the snake out of the box and toward the little kitten before he can protest.

In an instant of panic, Neko-chan arches his back and then shuffles away sideways instinctively.

“I didn’t mean to scare you,” you say.

“I’m not scared,” Neko-chan insists. “I need to find out what is going on with the pet shop owner, and you’re wasting time with that… that snake!”

“This little snake is cold and scared,” you say, “and the pet shop owner just used some kind of magic on it!”

The conversation ends when the pet shop owner re-enters the chamber.

“It’s not magic,” the pet shop owner says. “It’s science. I have almost perfected my latest invention, Glow Snakes.”

“You mean like those Glow Fish that they sell in other pet shops?” you ask.

“Kind of, but better,” he says as he motions for you to hand him the snake. You comply.

He latches the snake back on the table.

“I think this will do it,” the pet shop owner excitedly says. He places some ointment on the ball python and it glows.

“But what about the strange incantations?” you ask. The pet shop owner looks confused at first, and then blushes.

“Incantations?” he says. “I was singing. I never could carry a tune, though. Want to be the first owner of a Glow Snake Trademark inserted here.”

“Certainly!” you say. You go home with the glowing snake and become extremely popular with everyone that sees your new snake except for your mom, who remains doubtful.

Destiny Discovered