So next time you see a snake that is black with white stripes, don’t reach for a shovel or a phone. Reach for a sense of wonder. This isn’t a villain in a nature documentary—it’s a helpful, shy, stylish roommate who pays rent by eating the pests you hate. It’s the quiet kid in class who ends up being the valedictorian. It’s the in-law who shows up to every barbecue with a dish you actually love.
Respect the tuxedo. It’s working hard for you. And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll find yourself smiling at those stripes, thinking, “Good job, buddy.” That’s when you’ll know you’ve made a new friend in the wildest, most wonderful way.