Worried that something might be seriously wrong, Cassandra took Reggie to the local vet, Dr. Hanson—a calm, soft-spoken man in his fifties known for his skill with exotic animals. There was no denying it now: something was clearly off with her cherished companion.
When they arrived at the clinic, Dr. Hanson was immediately struck by Reggie’s impressive size—and by the obvious closeness between snake and owner. It was rare to see such a strong emotional bond between a human and a reptile. After listening carefully to Cassandra’s account, he nodded thoughtfully and recommended an ultrasound. If Reggie had swallowed something unusual, it would be the best way to find out.
Dr. Hanson ran a series of tests—blood work, an x-ray, and finally, an ultrasound. As he moved the probe across Reggie’s smooth belly, his brow knit into a deep frown. He glanced at his assistant, a silent exchange that sent a jolt of fear through Cassandra. Her pulse quickened. What was he seeing?
Trying to remain calm, Dr. Hanson began asking detailed questions about Reggie’s recent behavior—his feeding habits, sleep routines, anything out of the ordinary. When Cassandra mentioned their nightly ritual of sleeping together, something in his expression shifted. He paused, then sighed.
“Cassandra,” he said gently, trying to keep his voice steady, “I’m afraid I have some unsettling news.” He turned the ultrasound screen toward her.