Friends

Isabella had always considered herself to be quite in tune with her pet python, Seraphina. They shared a bond that went beyond the typical owner-pet relationship. But lately, Isabella couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was off. Seraphina seemed disinterested in her usual meals, which concerned Isabella greatly.

Turning to her mother, who had a lifetime of experience with pet pythons, Isabella voiced her worries. “Mom, I think something’s wrong with Seraphina. She’s not eating like she used to.”

Her mother, a wise woman with deep knowledge of reptiles, examined Seraphina closely. After a thorough inspection, she shook her head in confusion. “I don’t see anything physically wrong with her, Isabella. Maybe you should consult with a local vet just to be sure.”

Taking her mother’s advice, Isabella made an appointment with the nearest veterinary clinic. The vet examined Seraphina and ran several tests, but to Isabella’s dismay, they couldn’t find anything wrong either. Feeling frustrated and anxious, Isabella decided to seek advice from the local pet shop, hoping they might have some insight.

At the pet shop, the employees offered various suggestions and remedies, but none seemed to solve the mystery of Seraphina’s decreased appetite. Feeling desperate, Isabella was about to give up hope when she remembered an old sangoma who lived on the outskirts of town. Some said she had an uncanny connection with animals and could offer unconventional solutions.

With nothing to lose, Isabella sought out the old sangoma, who welcomed her with a knowing smile. As Isabella explained Seraphina’s strange behavior, the sangoma listened intently. After a moment of contemplation, she leaned in close and whispered, “There is nothing physically wrong with your snake, child. It is simply preparing itself.”

Confused, Isabella asked, “Preparing itself for what?”

The sangoma’s eyes gleamed with ancient wisdom as she replied, “For its next meal. Your snake is building up its appetite until it is hungry enough to swallow something much larger than its usual prey.”

Shivers ran down Isabella’s spine as she realized the gravity of the sangoma’s words. Hastily thanking the old woman, she rushed back home to Seraphina, her heart pounding with fear.

As Isabella entered her house, her phone rang, breaking the tense silence. With trembling hands, she answered the call. On the other end was Mr. Isaac, a local SPCA agent recently introduced to the story. His voice was urgent as he informed Isabella of a disturbing discovery—a missing person’s report had been filed for a woman who lived nearby.

Isabella’s blood ran cold as she pieced together the sangoma’s warning and Mr. Isaac’s call. With a sinking feeling in her heart, she realized the horrifying truth—Seraphina wasn’t just preparing for her next meal. She was preparing to devour her beloved owner.

As the phone call ended, the final scene faded to black, leaving the chilling realization hanging in the air. Isabella’s trust in her pet python had been shattered, replaced by a deep and primal fear of the creature she once called her friend.