House of Venom

Wall of Snakes

DAMARIS MONROE

As I turn my head, my eyes catch the glimmer of the morning sun peeking through the curtains, illuminating the room with a warm golden glow. The top and bottom of my lashes start separating, and I feel the sun's tender kiss on my face, a gentle wake-up call that nudges me from my slumber.

I stretch my arms, feeling the soft and silky gray sheets wrapping around my body like a warm embrace. The cloud-like sheets invite me to linger a little longer, urging me to forget the worries of the day and soak in the peace of the moment.

But as I bask in the warmth of the bed, my mind begins to race with thoughts of the events that led me here. I remember the alley, the danger, and the sudden appearance of Aaron, who saved me and kept me safe.

As I look around the room, I realize that these are not my sheets or my bed. I quickly sit on the bed, looking around, seeing no living soul around me. I glance at the huge TV on the right side of the bed, accompanied by the large brown couch in front of it. And a pillow with a blanket is placed on it.

Aaron slept on the couch.

"Jesus!"

My jaw drops, not because Aaron didn't choose me for his amorous pursuits, but because of the breathtaking sight before me. As I shift my gaze away from the couch, my eyes fall upon a spectacle that leaves me speechless. Where there should have been a bland, unremarkable wall, I am instead met with a magnificent display of terrariums.

These tiny, self-contained worlds are arranged from floor to ceiling, each one housing its own unique collection of miniature creatures. Their vibrant colors and intricate movements captivate my attention, and I find myself lost in their world.

Some of the inhabitants scurry about, while others bask in the warmth of their artificial suns. Each miniature ecosystem is a work of art, a testament to the wonders of nature and the beauty of creation.

I am already on my feet, the image of a wall of snakes has awakened a primal curiosity within me, and I am compelled to see it for myself.

I rush towards the display, my heart pounding with a mixture of fear and excitement. The creatures move with fluid grace, their scales glimmering in the light. I can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder as I watch them slither and coil around each other, forming an intricate tapestry of motion.

Suddenly, my eyes lock onto a striking white snake, its albinism making it stand out from the others. As I approach, the snake hisses in warning, its eyes fixed on mine. But I cannot look away from this mesmerizing creature, and I find myself drawn closer to it.

As I stand there, gazing at the wall of snakes, I cannot help but wonder about the person who created it.

Why would Aaron choose to collect so many of these creatures?

"Hello."

I reach out and tap gently on the glass of the white snake's terrarium, my eyes locked on its hypnotic gaze. As if sensing my presence, it flicks its tongue out in my direction, tasting the air and assessing the situation.

But then, something strange happens. The snake suddenly turns its head to the side, its tongue darting toward a corner of the room. I follow its gaze, trying to see what has caught its attention.

At first, I see nothing out of the ordinary - just a few pieces of furniture and some books stacked on a shelf. But then, as my eyes adjust to the dim light, I notice something glinting in the shadows.

Curiosity piqued, I move closer to the corner, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. As I approach, I see that the glinting object is a small, square frame of a picture placed upside down on the nightstand.