A chunky black snake with bright yellow splotches slithered through the grass towards me. Before the damn thing could slide up my leg, I ordered myself to run. I needed the toilet though. A second later, my eyelids snapped open and I woke up in bed, the snake sighting nothing more than a nightmare. The pressure in my lower abdomen, however, was very real. I flicked off the doona and made my way to the bathroom. Sooner or later I’d have to face the snake but tonight, thanks to my weak bladder, the recurring snake dream would have to wait.
Melissa Hickey is an Australian writer hoping to engage with a wider audience. Find Melissa under the name Ashley Noel on Medium and on Twitter and Instagram @ashleynoel3945.