S is for Snake

I wrote this story for my oldest son.  He asks me for a pet snake at least once a week and can't understand why I keep telling him no.

“Are the girls gone?”  Sam asked.

“Yes.”  Carlos answered.  “They should be busy for awhile.  Mia and Sophie brought over three princess movies and their tea set.”

“Good! The snake palace is no place for sister's.  Let’s go.”

Sam led the way through the thick jungle.

“Are you sure you know where you are going?” Carlos asked.

“Of course I am.  I grew up in this jungle."  Sam jumped over a fallen log.  "Watch your step. Stay right behind me.”

“Why?”

Sam picked up a rock and threw it. It landed close to where the boys were standing.

“Nothing is happening.” Carlos said.

“Keep watching.”

The rock began to shake then it sunk down into the earth making a loud slurping sound as it went.

“Whoa.  Cool.” Carlos said, staring at the place the rock had been.
"That was awesome." he said.  "What's the matter Sam?"
Sam was holding very still.
 "Shhh.  Something is following us.  Its going to get us.  Run!"
"Wait up guys.  I want to come too."
Carlos spun around. 
"Sophie? What are you doing here?"
"I want to come with you guys. I don't' like tea parties." She said.
"But we are going somewhere dangerous." Sam said.
"I'm not scared."
 She didn't look scared.  Not even a little bit.
"It is full of snakes." Carlos said.
"I like snakes."
"I guess you can come." Sam said. "But you have to keep up."
"I am super fast." Sophie said and she was. 
Soon they could see stone towers rising up above the trees.
"Is that it?" Carlos asked in a whisper.
"Yes. That's it." Sam said.
They climbed the steep stairs and entered the palace.
Snakes were everywhere.  Some were small.  Some were so long that they wouldn't fit in a house.  Some hung like vines from the ceiling.  One curled around Sam's ankle.
"Look at all the colors." Sophie said.  "I didn't know that snakes could be so pretty."
"I think we should head back." Carlos said, after awhile.  "We have seen all the snakes and its getting dark."
"You're right." Sam turned to lead the way.
 No one noticed the long, slithery snake that followed home.