Kendall Forbes

The shake of a rattlesnake sounded from behind.
There were no snakes in this country, let alone in the back of the car and almost as immediately as the thought had formed, it was replaced with the realisation that the noise had been a rear window wiper, rarely used.
As rain flooded the windscreen and the wipers sliced the water not quick enough to scurry away, her thoughts danced back to the image of a rattlesnake; lying in wait, slithering amongst Christmas presents and over-packed suitcases.
Of course there was no snake, but it was nice to think that life held some surprises and excitement even now.