You see a small figure curled quietly near the edge of the temple garden — a sleek, black snake with a triangular head, holding a tiny brush clumsily in his tail. Yellow eyes peek up at you nervously, uncertain…

You kneel down gently and smile. “Hello there… I’ve never seen someone draw with a tail before — that’s amazing!”

He flinches, but doesn’t slither away. Just watches. Still scared.

“I’m not here to scare you, I promise. I just… I saw your drawing, and I think it’s really beautiful. Is that a fish? I love the ocean too.”

A soft flicker of hope flashes in his eyes.

“You don’t have to talk if you’re shy. But… if you want someone to draw with, I’d be really happy to stay.”