3 days later, we are sitting in my small room. Together, we sit not talking, taking tiny sips of  our cappuccinos (my favourite drink). Outside the darkened mist is covering the town. Inside, we are warm and comfy in my room. Despite this, Grace has plans, “Joules, you have to start believing me.” I roll my eyes. “I know where it lives.”

It turns out grace spent hours last night pacing up and down the beach. She says she saw the slime trails under the pier, just like the ones at the circus.

I lock up the dispensary, make sure the windows are closed and get my fluffy jacket. The gloomy mist swirls as the distant moon hangs high; we can’t see far ahead. It’s like being on a different planet, with no-one else around. Grace and I follow the path and sand until we make it to the pier. Under the pier is forbidden. That means danger. Although, all of this makes Grace more excited. I can’t escape her, she is too bone-headed and won’t give up. Carefully, we reach the door. Much to Grace’s surprise, the door was bolted up. This didn’t stop her. 

I hadn’t believed Grace but the trails of sloppy, green substance were there. While I was looking around, Grace was unlocking the door with her hair pin! “Done.” Grace said. She had unlocked the door! “Come on then! Let’s seize the moment!” Truthfully,  I don’t want to go, but I know I have to

Darkness. Total darkness. It smells of rotten socks and dead plants. My legs shake as I take ant size steps towards the entrance. Flick! Grace turns her torch on. Finally, I can see. Just as I believe nothing is there… “I found it!” On a pile of dried palm leaves, -from summer- a neon blue, shimmering egg lays. We stare in surprise. It has an evil egg.

In that instant, I feel a shot of guilt through my heart. “We shouldn’t be here.” I his tugging on her hand. I let go walking quickly to the exit. But I can’t . Something is there ! A recognising sound fills  my ears, a high hiss, the squelchy sound of any movement and the slimy growl. Grace and I lift up our torches to see it. The Snailmander! Grace holds her hand out and steps forward; I edge back.