"In a few days, I'll be hitting the surf Down Under. Maybe you'll get there, too, someday. You'd like it, Kelea." He smiled at me. "You know, I'm kind of a loner. I've never been used to having friends. But I think you were my friend, and I think I learned something from that. I wanted to thank you." He paused. Then he did something that really surprised me. He pulled the snake ring off his finger and handed it to me. "I want you to have this, to remember me by." He tossed it to me. "Wow!" I said. The ring felt heavy in my hand. I tried it on, but it was much too big for any of my fingers. "I'll put it on a chain and wear it around my neck," I said. "Thanks, Thrash. I won't forget you." "Cool," he said. "Well--later!" He turned and trotted off. I watched him go, knowing I would never again meet anyone quite like him."