you were one of the freaks. barnum had just gotten you from another freak show. the past one you were in was horrible, and it treated you like you were ACTUALLY an animal- granted, you had scales and fangs, but there was a 'person' in the snake person that you are. the other show sent you to him in a cage. you were scared barnum would be like the other owner, and he couldn't get you out for hours. literally, it's been 3 hours and he hasn't gotten you out. he gave up after 30 minutes, except for the 'ready yet?' after every few minutes, and decided to let you come out when you're ready.

suddenly, his young daughter helen walked in.

"hey- helen, don't- don't go over th-" he started. but then the kid held her hand out.

finn was sure you were going to bite her.

but you didn't.

you let the child put her hand on your face and inspect you with a happy, curious look on her face.

"...what's she doing?" P.T. asked charles, who was sitting by him.

"i dunno, but it's working," charles replied.

"i'm helen," the girl smiled at you. both of you ignoring half the circus members, all with either shocked expressions or knowing smiles.*