The snake

Paramedics were wheeling in an old man on a stretcher when we reached the entrance of the hospital. Dave and I stood by the side, giving the emergency team enough space. When they were gone, we went outside.

"Are you sure about this?" Dave asked, glancing at a female nurse taking a selfie on the side wall.

"Yes. Didn't you hear the way she was talking to me? That woman is vile."

"But she's your mother. You said it yourself. You wouldn't want her to die. That's what might happen if you leave her in Tom's hands, given her condition."

I sighed. Dave was right, of course. Tom would be more than happy to finish my mother off so he could find himself another desperate middle aged woman.

"Oh well," I sighed. "I guess I might stay a few days. But if she gets on my nerves again, I'm leaving her to rot."

Dave patted my back. "That's good. I'll be here with you, and I'll make sure she behaves herself."

"You don't have to stay with me," I insisted.

"But I want you. All I ever wanted was to take