I am 8 years old. I see a 9 foot viper nearby, ra
I am 8 years old. I see a 9 foot viper nearby, razor sharp fangs gleaming in the sunlight. It slithered closer. Human, why are you here It hissed. I…got lost I whimper. It revealed a line of razor sharp jaws.
The world seemed enormous, stretching out in every direction like a vast, green ocean. I was eight, lost in the woods behind my house. The sun filtered through the leaves, dappling the forest floor with light and shadow. I’d chased a butterfly, a brilliant blue flash against the green, and wandered too far. Now, the familiar landmarks were gone, replaced by towering trees and the rustling of unseen creatures.
Then, I saw it. A serpent, coiled like a length of thick rope, lay across the path. It was enormous, at least nine feet long, with scales the color of polished jade and eyes like golden marbles. Razor-sharp fangs gleamed in the sunlight, casting menacing shadows across its face. It slithered closer, its movements slow and deliberate, each scale glinting like a polished jewel.
“Human,” it hissed, the sound like dry leaves crunching underfoot. “Why are you here?”
My throat constricted, making it difficult to breathe. Fear, cold and gripping, paralyzed me. I could only whimper, “I… I got lost.”
The serpent’s head tilted slightly, its gaze fixed on me. “Lost,” it repeated, the word almost a question. Then, its jaws parted, revealing a line of teeth so sharp and white they seemed to glow in the dim light. Panic flooded me. I wanted to scream, but the sound died in my throat.
Suddenly, a twig snapped behind me. I turned my head, hoping for rescue, for someone, anyone, to see my predicament. But there was only a flash of green, a rustle in the undergrowth, and a quickening of the serpent’s movements.
“You are not alone,” the serpent hissed, its voice low and rumbling. “We are many, here, in this forest. And we watch.”
The serpent raised its head, its gaze piercing mine. “But you… you are different,” it said, the words slow and measured. “You are a child, lost and alone. Do not fear, little one. We will protect you.”
The serpent turned and slithered away, disappearing into the thick undergrowth. I watched it go, trembling but strangely reassured. The forest, the serpent, they were no longer terrifying. They were guardians, watching over me, and I was safe.
The sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. I took a deep breath, feeling a strange sense of peace. I was lost, yes, but I was also found. The forest, the serpent, they were my protectors. And in their watchful presence, I knew I would be alright.
