I cannot fight the energy coming from the slithery beast and behold the snake's piercing gaze.

Its eyes mirror my own.

They reflect a perfect image of myself back at me.

It is mesmerizing to an almost sick degree.

My reflection starts to shift and morph the longer I gaze into the eyes before me.

I see a series of people flash in front of my eyes.

One after another, individuals living lives I wish I had.

A sneer starts to form on my face.

Why do I feel such a need to compare myself to others?

Have I not learned comparison is the thief of joy?

Still, it is hard to fight the boiling sensation in my stomach.

Tears start to roll down cheeks.

The snake releases me from its gaze.

I am free from the beast in front of me, but not the one inside.

I am left with only myself and the reality that has been shown to me.

I wipe tears from my cheeks and Continue into the woods.