Chapter 26 - Mateo’s RetirementMateo invited Sofia to the marine research center built partly on former mansion property.
The old aquarium had been dismantled.
Its reinforced panels reused in new public exhibit.
The sea snakes lived in a professionally managed habitat with educational signage and strict barriers.
Sofia stopped at entrance.
Mateo noticed.
“You don't have to go in.”
“I know.”
Choice.
She stepped inside.
One snake moved behind glass.
Her chest tightened.
She stayed.
Mateo said nothing.
After a minute Sofia breathed normally again.
“Were they ever likely to attack me?”
Mateo answered honestly.
“Any wild venomous animal can be dangerous. Thrashing usually makes behavior unpredictable.”
“So I was lucky.”
“Yes.”
She nodded.
No supernatural salvation.
No destiny.
Just chance, safety equipment, Mateo, and evidence.
The snake disappeared behind coral.
Sofia smiled faintly.
“Ugly thing.”
Mateo looked offended.
“It is magnificent.”
She laughed.
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Normal laughter beside glass.
That mattered.
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