"That’s not the way it was," I said. Quickly, I explained what had happened that morning, describing Mama G’s "cure" for my sinus cold—a "cure" that was still holding, spirits be thanked, although it was probably nothing more than coincidence. I also described her strange outburst. "She seemed fine when I left. The only thing I can think of that might have upset her was finding the snake in the trash can."