up from his tablet I didn’t get any bruises in Oklahoma You never do Tyler answered Why Brains Sean said Gabe drew his friend’s attention back to the computer So is this made out of rubber like the octopus in Oklahoma Sean looked at him blankly I can’t tell from a photo Though we can safely assume it isn’t real Why is that Tyler asked They never are Gabe didn’t argue with his friend but he didn’t agree either He was sure he’d seen real cryptids since they’d joined his brother to make his Internet show Discover Cryptids They had seen a lot of fakes but he believed some of the creatures were real probably Sean Ben called from the driver’s seat Aren’t you going to share any fun facts about 10
South Carolina I’m curious about the state My fun facts are not always appreciated Sean said Sure they are Ben called back giving Gabe and Tyler a sharp look in the rear view mirror Yeah lay some fun facts on us Tyler said Sean did some quick searching with his tablet He raised an eyebrow Here’s an interesting fact The Swamp Lizard Man isn’t the only cryptid in South Carolina According to this Lake Murray has a water monster Gabe shuddered No more water monsters for a while How about a happier fun fact Um the salamander is the official state amphibian Sean suggested No wonder the Swamp Lizard Man feels comfortable there Tyler said They like slimy creepy things Like most reptiles lizards have dry skin with scales and no slime Sean said Also since 11
we’re looking for the Swamp Lizard Man I’m not even certain he qualifies as a reptile Tyler rolled his eyes Fine just creepy then Sean turned his attention back to his tablet muttering Gabe looked out the van window at the passing scenery He felt like he did that a lot He wondered if he’d ever get used to staying in one place again We’re heading into town Ben sang out from the front seat Gabe looked past Sean to see a welcome sign surrounded by bright red flowers They continued on and soon another sign caught Gabe’s attention What’s on that sign Ben pulled off the road so they could look over a hand-painted sign with what looked like a dancing Swamp Lizard Man on it You don’t see that every day Tyler said Hey it’s a restaurant I’m starving Can we go in and eat 12
Sure Ben said I’d like a closer look at this place myself They piled out into the steamy sunshine and walked into the building Inside ceiling fans moved the hot air around in a lazy way The air smelled of fried food and spice Gabe spotted a photo on the wall behind the cash register It was the same one they’d seen online The Swamp Lizard Man with buggy eyes huge feet and a long dragging tail Ben pointed at the photo as he walked up to the counter Have you seen the Swamp Lizard Man The man behind the counter laughed He was short and round with close-cropped hair His laughter showed off big yellowing teeth If I’d seen that critter he’d be on the menu But some people have seen him Ben said So I hear the man said You all going to have lunch We have good shrimp and grits I like shrimp Gabe said But what are grits Something gritty doesn’t sound appetizing 13
