The Secret Pet

Go back to full book details page.

Chapter One: A Secret

"No more pets this year!" said Tim's Mom. "You have Sam Cat and Ned dog and Fred Pig. And they all eat a lot and make a lot of mess."

"Please, Mom, can I keep this snail?" said Tim. "Her name is Kay and she likes me."

"Snails like to be in the sun. They like to be in the rain. They do not like to be inside a box."

Tim was sad, but he took his snail box outside and let the snail go. Kay was glad. She liked the sun and the wind. She liked the big sky. She liked to be on a leaf with Jay. She liked the wind from the sea.

The next day Tim got on his bike. He rode to the beach near his home. To get to the beach, he had to cross a stream. Tim felt the heat. He had a rest by the stream. Then he saw a black streak slide under a leaf. The streak was a snake. The snake came out from under the leaf. Tim did not want to breathe.

"I am not afraid of a snake!" he said. "No. I'm not afraid. I like snakes a lot."

"Did I hear you say, you like snakes a lot?"

Tim looked at the snake. The snake looked at Tim.

"Can you speak?" said Tim to the snake.

"Yessssss!" said the snake.

"What's your name?" said Tim.

"My name is Jake," said the snake.

"Pleased to meet you Jake. My name is Tim. Come with me to the beach to see the sea."

The sky was clear. Tim rode to the beach, and Jake slid to the beach. The sea was teal and green. The sun was hot and Jake hid in the shade of a dune. Tim made a heap of sand into a seat. He sat on his seat and Jake slid onto his feet.

"Will you be my pet?" said Tim.

"What is a pet?" said Jake.

"I will teach you how to be a pet. If you will be my pet, I will take you home. I will give you a feast of things to eat. I will give you ice cream and green peas and brown wheat bread and meat.