My 6-year-old daughter told her teacher “it hurts to sit” and drew a picture that

I blinked, trying to process his words. “Not human?” I repeated, my voice trembling. The room seemed to tilt, and I gripped the edge of the table for support. “What do you mean?”Officer Daniels exchanged a look with his partner, a silent communication passing between them. His partner nodded, then stepped forward, his voice softer now. “The stain on the backpack… it came back as a secretion from an animal. Specifically, a large snake.”

“A snake?” I echoed, relief and confusion battling within me. I barely registered Emily’s small hand clutching mine, her eyes wide and frightened.“Yes,” Officer Daniels confirmed, crouching down to Emily’s level. “Sweetheart, do you remember seeing a snake when you were with Uncle Nathan?”