Two Gifts
Even after removing the branch from the red-eyed python's mouth, the staff member was still a little dazed.
It was hard to believe.
He'd gotten it out just like that?
The staff member looked at the red-eyed python, which seemed harmless, even rather docile, then at the old woman outside the glass window, gazing at the snake with a tender expression.
He felt a little envious.
And a little wistful.
He'd been caring for the red-eyed python for a long time, too...
But the snake wasn't nearly as close to him as it was to the old woman.
Probably...
The staff member knew why, actually.
It was simply that sincerity called forth sincerity.
He cared for the red-eyed python because it was his job.
Of course.
He liked snakes.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have kept working in this field.
But compared to the old woman's affection, his own was rather lightweight.
He actually knew who this old woman was.
After all these years, and since he was responsible for caring for the red-eyed python, he'd run into her a few times.
Although they'd never really spoken.
The old woman might not even recognize him.
In a daze, the staff member seemed to see the shy young girl he'd first met.
Whenever she came to the zoo, she seemed to visit only the reptile house, just to see the red-eyed python.
Her devotion was so single-minded that it was astonishing, almost incomprehensible.
He'd only learned the reason later.
He'd been surprised when the glass window broke, and even more amazed by the red-eyed python's act of rescuing someone.
He understood why the girl who'd been rescued felt grateful to the red-eyed python.
What surprised him was...
He'd thought it was only something she'd do for a short