Reggie slithered toward the bed, eyeing the mannequin cautiously. He began to coil around the lifeless figure, his body tightening with each loop. Cassandra’s heart pounded in her chest as she realized Dr. Hanson’s warning might be true.

As Reggie tightened his grip around the mannequin, the unmistakable sound of cracking plastic echoed through the room. Cassandra stifled a gasp, her eyes filling with tears. She knew she couldn’t deny it any longer. Reggie, her beloved python, had been preparing to consume her all along.