Refuge

"We're so dead."

Andi thought as she watched it come closer to them. With no way to escape, they braced themselves for whatever fate awaited them.

"Andi, I feel cold. Am I dead?"

Mina asked with a shiver, tears streaming down her face. Her eyes were closed, fearful to witness whatever happened next once the serpent reached them. She could feel its cold, scaly body pressing against hers, constricting tighter and tighter.

The serpent had wrapped itself around Mina from the waist up, which surprised Andi. Before she could come up with a plan, Mina was boisterously laughing in the next second.

"Wait, what's happening?"

Andi asked in confusion as Mina continued to laugh. The serpent, instead of attacking, began to nuzzle against Mina playfully, revealing its friendly nature.

Andi let out a sigh of relief, watching as Mina petted the serpent with a smile.

"I guess we don't have to worry about it after all," she said, feeling grateful for the unexpected turn of events. Mina was helped to stand by Andi without further delay, and after confirming that the serpent remained calm, they resumed their trek through the forest.

"I guess appearances can be deceiving. Let's keep moving."

Andi remarked, still amazed by the serpent's unexpected behaviour.