In reference

 

In his journey down the mountain Joe encounters a snake which signals for his attention. Keeping his distance because Joe can see that the snake is a rare and very poisonous variety, he acknowledges the snake’s request to talk. They proceed to have a long, animated conversation in which the snake makes the request that Joe carry it down the mountainside because it has an injury which will prevent it from making the journey on its own before the freezing cold of winter descends on the mountain. The snake is very persuasive and finally convinces Joe that he will be safe while carrying it down the mountain. He is convinced by the snake’s conversation that they will become close friends on the journey. True to its word, the snake is friendly, and repeatedly expresses its gratitude to Joe during the trip.

At the end of the journey, Joe realizes that he still does not know the snake’s name, and asks for its name as he sets the snake down. The snake hisses at him, and says, “Who said that you need to know my name. That is too personal.” Then the snake bites him, injecting a fatal dose of venom. Taken by complete surprise, and terrified by the bite, Joe cries out “Why did you do that. I thought we were friends!”

The snake replies, “You old fool. It was a lot of meaningless talk. I needed you to take me where I wanted to go, and you did it. You are no longer useful to me. And what did you expect? After all, I am a snake. By the way, my name is Kamala.”