The Snake
I was five, maybe six years old, the first time I encountered the physical manifestation of a creature which would follow me, literally and spiritually, throughout the rest of my life. The name of my companion at the time escapes me, despite many attempts made on my part to recover it, including interviewing my parents at length, but to no avail. He was a young boy, yellow-haired and energetic, and perhaps two or three years older than me at most. When your age resides in the single digits, a two to three year gap is a big difference, but it didn't seem to bother him. My parents had taken us - me and my two (at the time) brothers - to the home of a friend of theirs. My siblings and I had never met them before, but we made friend with their children with a speed which can be achieved only by those who yet have no understanding of social norm. Their youngest - the blonde boy - took me in hand and brought me to his special sanctuary. Night had fallen since our arrival, and with...