It barely moved, but it clearly seemed alive. The most terrifying thoughts ran through my mind — what if it was a hand? Or some unknown creature? My heart started racing, my palms got sweaty. I stepped back, then again. I wasn’t even breathing.

I moved closer again — slowly, keeping my eyes on it. Looked again. It was a snake. A real one. Hanging there like it was watching me. Only the tip of its body was visible — the rest was hidden deep in the vent.

I didn’t scream, but my whole body was frozen with fear. Because if a snake got into the house through the ventilation — who’s to say it’s alone? Where are the others? What is it doing here?