Short Story

The Snake Rulebook

In the vibrant jungle of Serpentina, two snakes, Slippy and Zee, stand out with their adventurous spirits, vibrant personalities, and playful banter. Slippy, an olive green snake with white patches, and Zee, a blue snake adorned with a series of black and grey dots, are unlike their fellow serpents. While others spend their days in solemn solitude, Slippy and Zee thrive in each other’s company, sharing adventures and musings about the world above and below the jungle’s dense canopy.

An opening in the tree line leading to a pond in the center of the Serpentina jungle
The Jungles of Serpentina

One sunny afternoon

Slippy and Zee were looping through the branches of the Great Kapok Tree when they stumbled upon an old parrot named Polk. Polk is a wise bird with feathers as tattered as his stories. “You know,” Polk squawked, observing the pair. “In my days, snakes were solitary, serious, and silent. Always alone, always hidden. Yet I see you two are nothing like that.”

Slippy and Zee, with mischief in their eyes, responded to Polk’s observation. “Well, Polk,” Zee began, her voice as smooth as the slide of scales on bark. “Perhaps it’s because we find joy in being us, not just snakes. Why limit ourselves to the branches when the entire jungle could be our playground?”

Polk harrumphed but couldn’t help but listen as the snakes regaled him with tales of their joint escapades. Racing the river’s wild rapids, playing tic-tac-toe with the jaguar’s imposing paw prints, and even orchestrating a harmonious chorus with the crickets at the magical hour of dusk.

“What’s the point of all that?” Polk finally asked, puzzled. “Snakes don’t do these things. You have roles and responsibilities!”

“But that’s just it, Polk,” Slippy replied, coiling around a nearby branch as if hugging it. We decided to define what being a snake means for us—not just hunting and hiding, but living and laughing, too. We’re rewriting the snake rulebook.”

As the sun began to dip

It began casting golden specks through the leaves; Zee slithered closer to Polk. “We think every snake should get to decide their story. Maybe some will choose the old ways; maybe others will join us. Either way, shouldn’t we all have the choice?”

Polk is perched on a fallen tree brand and looking back at Zee reflectively
Polk looking reflectively

Polk looked at them, his old eyes reflecting a glint of understanding. “Perhaps you’re onto something. Maybe I’ve been a prisoner of my feathers, of the old tales and faded tracks.”

The next day, the jungle buzzed with an unusual sight. With Slippy and Zee by his side, Polk taught the young toucans how to use their wings in new and playful ways. The jungle resonated with laughter and leaves rustling as old norms faded, replaced by the joyful chorus of those daring to live differently.

The Heart of Serpentina

In the heart of Serpentina, Slippy and Zee continued their unorthodox ways. Proving each day that life is not about conforming to the expected patterns but about painting the canvas of existence with the brightest colours one can find. Through their eyes, the jungle was not just a place of survival but a playground of infinite possibilities. A place where every creature could weave its unique pattern into the vast tapestry of life.