Cassandra’s mind was in turmoil. How could she have been so blind to the true nature of her beloved pet? For weeks, she had slept soundly with Reggie curled around her, unaware of his real intentions. Now, the thought made her skin crawl.
She felt foolish for missing the signs—the way he coiled so tightly around her, the way his unblinking gaze seemed to study her every move. She had mistaken those moments for affection and loyalty. But now, that once-comforting idea of her snake watching over her at night had morphed into something chilling. What had she done?
In the quiet, postcard-perfect town of Bar Harbor, everyone knew each other’s name—and their business. Gossip spread faster than the sea breeze. The streets were lined with charming houses, pristine gardens, and smiling neighbors. So when Cassandra, a reclusive woman in her mid-thirties with a taste for solitude, moved in with an enormous python named Reggie, the whispers began almost immediately.
No one could understand why anyone would choose such a companion, and concern quickly turned to fear.
Despite the suspicious looks and whispered remarks from those around her, Cassandra remained unfazed. She had adopted Reggie from an exotic pet rescue center after he was left behind by a former owner, and since then, their connection had only grown stronger. Her neighbors simply couldn’t grasp the unique bond she shared with her snake. They didn’t see how Reggie’s eyes seemed to light up when she spoke to him, or how he gently nudged her cheek with his scaled head, as if offering comfort and silent companionship.
For Cassandra, a snake was the perfect housemate. He was quiet, low-maintenance, and certainly less disruptive than the yapping dog next door. Reggie had never shown any aggression—toward her or anyone who visited. He kept to himself, calm and composed. If only the neighbors would stop offering their constant, needless warnings.