The Snake's Wish

The first time she saw him, her jade pendant fell into the lotus pond. Her husband told her to forget about it, but he dove in without a word and retrieved it for her.

The second time she saw him, he plucked the white flower from her hair and said he would cherish her from then on.

The lake of her heart, once as still as dead water, finally rippled.

The first time they met, he was a black snake coiled at the feet of Buddha, and she let incense ash fall on him.

The second time they met, she came with her husband to pray for a child.

The third time they met, a white flower adorned her hair.

He had prayed before Buddha for a thousand years to win her this lifetime. He would never let her down again.

The black snake hoped she would never remember her past life. That way, she would never leave him again.

A short story

Theme: Companionship is the longest-lasting declaration of love