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“Um, I got the snake. Also, why the fuck are there pool noodles on my wall?” I ask, placing the box on the coffee table.

“It’s going to be an archway of roses. Wait until you see it!” she says, clapping.

“How are they held on the wall, Zarya?”

As much as I love my sister, I’ve learned that in her manic state, all sense of logic may be completely absent. The pool noodles could be held on with super glue for all she cares, so long as they fulfill her vision of what it’s supposed to look like.

“Don’t worry. I used those plastic hooks that are made to stick on the walls. Your paint is safe.”

My paint is most definitely not safe. Those hooks are a prime example of false advertising. At least it’s better than what I originally imagined.

For the next few hours, Zarya barks out orders, and I follow them. I must admit the archway looks amazing. Her creativity brings the whole damn room to life. We secured the snake in his new home. Which brings great joy to Gerald, who has determined that taunting the snake by sitting on the other side of the glass and snacking on treats is the most entertaining thing ever seen. The whole thing makes me nervous, so I put him in his plastic ball for peace of mind.

By the time Litza pulls up, the whole place is alive with bright greens and golds—her favorite color combo.

The front door opens, and we rush to the foyer.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!” we shout and blow the ridiculous plastic horns Zarya insisted on using.

Litza laughs and pulls us in for hugs.

“Come on, everything is in the living room for you!” Zarya says as she pulls on her arm, then turns to lead her away. Litza and I share a conspiratorial look, knowing how enthusiastic Zarya gets over these celebrations.

“Oh my god. It’s gorgeous! How did you guys do all this?” Litza says as she looks around the room. Her eyes stop on the coffee table, where we’ve covered the terrarium with a satin green piece of cloth. “What’s that?”

“Should we?” Zarya says, bouncing with excitement.

“Do it! Do it!” I nod.

Litza looks between us, amused by the energetic exchange.

Zarya walks over to the coffee table and pinches the satin cloth. In one fell swoop, she pulls the cloth back to reveal the snake, coiled up on the log we placed in the terrarium with him.

Litza takes several quick steps toward the tank and bends.

“You guys got him for me?” Her voice is a hushed whisper. When we don’t respond, she looks at us. Her facial expression is stoic, but the pitch in her voice speaks volumes. “He’s beautiful…” She taps the glass and the snake takes notice. His tongue flicks out in rapid succession.

“He’s a—” I start, but she cuts me off.

“Green tree python, I know. My favorite.”

“He’s about a year old, so he should be turning green. I’ve been given promises that it will happen. His mother is gorgeous!”

Litza jumps to embrace us both. The action gives me a pause. She is not known for being expressive with her emotions, so her awkward hug feels a bit unnatural.

“Thank you, guys. I love him. Oh, this means so much…”

Zarya and I watch in amusement as she pulls the little guy out. The snake coils around her wrist and lifts its head.

“So, what are you going to name him?” I take a step closer to her and bend to get a better look at him.

“Yeah? What do you call a snake?” Zarya says as she moves to the other side of Litza.

“Silas.”

I think that’s perfect for him.

“That does sound perfect. Hello, Silas.” I say, giving a wave to the newest member of the family.