He gave a short, almost sheepish breath. "The pouch looked clean. Cleaner than it had ever been."
Kaya's eyes softened as she looked down at the foam clinging to her fingers. She understood.
"I thought… if it works on that, maybe it'll work on me too," he finished.
Even though Cutie had turned around and was staring at the trees, doing his best not to peek, Kaya wasn't completely alone by the river.
Something moved.
From her blazer, which she had placed on the rock earlier, a small snake slowly slipped out of the inner pocket. It had been curled up inside all this time, likely enjoying the warmth and peace.
Now, awake, it slithered out quietly and rested near the edge of the blazer, its tongue flicking in and out.
It wasn't interested in the water or the trees. Its eyes were on Kaya.
