Before I could react, a huge body launched itself onto my back and clung to me like a koala.
Mason wrapped both legs around my waist and locked his arms around my neck, trembling violently.
"A snake! There's a snake! Ella, save me!" He squeezed his eyes shut and screamed at the top of his lungs.
He was choking me so hard that my eyes rolled back and I nearly passed out.
"Mason, get off me!" I forced the words through clenched teeth.
"No! I'm not getting down even if you kill me!" He clung tighter.
Taking a deep breath, I drove my elbow into his ribs with all my strength.
"It's a harmless rat snake, and it's already gone! If you don't get down, I'll leave you here for the wild boars!"
Only then did he carefully open one eye. After confirming that the snake was truly gone, he slid of
