Chapter 2

But Slinky wasn't acting like its old self anymore.

Whenever I headed out for work, it used to wrap itself around my wrist, all clingy and not wanting me to leave.

This time, though, it slithered to the farthest corner from the door, like it was scared I'd drag it out the door with me.

My chest felt even tighter, and even when I grabbed lunch with Alice Wilson, I felt miserable the whole time.

After handing her the souvenir I'd bought overseas, I started complaining.

"Alice, you have no idea what's up with Slinky. I was only gone for seven days, and now he's suddenly acting all distant, like I'm his mortal enemy or something."

Alice knew I spoiled Slinky rotten; he was basically my little treasure.

Whenever I went out, nine times out of ten, I'd cut my plans short to get back home for Slinky.

So Alice just laughed, set her coffee cup down, and said, "That's how pets are.

"Snakes might be cold-blooded, but they're actually pretty intuitive. They can pick up on your vibes, you know?

"Slinky's probably just throwing a little tantrum because you left him alone for so many days."

I furrowed her brows, feeling a bit skeptical. "Do snakes really get sulky?"

Alice laughed again. "Of course. My cat was the same way. I left her at my mom's for a few days, and when I brought her back, she totally gave me the cold shoulder; wouldn't even look at me for days.

"Trust me, just swing by the pet store later and grab Slinky a new toy or something to butter him up. He'll be back to his clingy self before you know it."

Alice's advice really cheered me up; just like that, all the gloom in my chest vanished.

After finishing our coffee, Alice and I headed to the pet store where I'd first bought Slinky.

As soon as we walked in, the store manager greeted me with a big smile. "Hey there, back to spoil your pet again?

"Perfect timing. I got a bunch of new toys in that Slinky will love. Let me show you what we've got."

I smiled and nodded.

Thanks to my obsession with Slinky, I was at the pet store every other week picking out new toys and accessories for him. At this point, the staff pretty much considered me a VIP.

Whenever I got a raise, I'd immediately upgrade Slinky's food. And when my year-end bonus came in, I wouldn't even splurge on a good meal or new clothes for myself. Every dollar went straight to getting Slinky a fancy new tank.

Thinking about everything I had done for Slinky these past seven years, and then remembering how cold he was to me this morning, just made my chest feel all sour again.

Ugh, why did it hurt so much?

Not wanting to get sucked back into that gloomy mood, I took the chance to browse around the pet store while the manager was off fetching Slinky's new toys.

When I got to the snake section, I immediately spotted that little snake with a scar on its back, still locked up in the same cage after seven whole years.

This snake and Slinky were actually siblings, born from the same mother.

But that black scar on its back totally ruined its looks.

So back then, when I was picking out a snake, I went with Slinky instead.

But when it saw me, the snake that had been lying there looking bored suddenly lifted its head.

I could practically see the excitement in its eyes.

Its stare made my heart skip a beat, but just then, the manager came back with a toy, snapping me out of it.

I hurried after the manager to the checkout counter.

After paying, I just couldn't resist asking, "Why is that little snake with the scar still here after all these years? Nobody ever wanted to take it home?"

The manager laughed. "It's not that I don't want to sell it; nobody wants to buy it, just because of that ugly scar. But honestly, for a snake, it's pretty stubborn.

"Whenever someone actually shows interest, it gets so hyped and jumps around more than any other snake. You know how it is; most snake owners want a chill pet.

"So I ended up keeping it myself. Luckily, it doesn't eat much or cause any trouble.

"Hey, if you're thinking about taking it home, I'll give you a fifty percent discount. Honestly, every time you walk in, that little guy just watches you like you're its whole world.

"And when you leave, it gets all mopey for days. If you ever feel like adding another pet to your family, I'd be glad to see it go to someone who'll really care for it."

My hand trembled a little as I held the snake toy.

And as soon as the snake heard what the manager said, it perked up right away, full of energy.

Seeing the scarred snake's eyes practically sparkling with excitement, I gave a little smile and said, "Sorry, not today."