A new place that is not new.

Hidden but existing for years.

Seen on Google maps by chance.

A chance encounter that could be the start of a fantasy book.

But no less marvelous.

A pet store tucked in between a row of small shops.

***

I enter and find it to be a reptile shop.

Rows and rows of either full or empty tanks.

A multitude of reptiles far more than I had ever seen in person.

Then I see her.

A bearded dragon sitting calmly in a plastic tub for holding.

I make eye contact with her and ask if I could hold her.

***

She sits on my lap.

Calm.

Cool.

Friendly.

Cuddled up next to my arm.

A beautiful temporary friend.

***

I sit with her until I have to leave again.

A hidden place left as suddenly as found.

Hand sanitizer reached for quickly when I get home just in case.

It stings where she cuddled against me.

I brush it off.

Until I see the dark patch.

***

Oh dear.

Punctured.

Black purple.

Mottled.

An injury left by her spines.

A gift I never even felt receiving.

***

I do not count it as a problem.

A wound never felt should not be considered bad.

Never overshadowing a fantastic experience.

Perhaps I will hold her again someday.

Injury long forgotten.

Memory instead filled with the positive things like those tanks on the walls.