Mixing it up with a joke

Many people don't know this, but deep in the South American jungle is a switch that, if flipped, will trigger earthquakes and volcanos and, ultimately, the end of the world. This switch is guarded by a family of dangerous animals (ok, ok, they're snakes). The primary guard, Nathaniel, is known by most of the residents who live in the area and, as they understand his important function in life, they treat him with respect and say hello as they see him travelling across the one dirt road that seperates his home from his guard post.

One day, as a local delivery man was barreling along the road, the truck's brakes failed just as it was going downhill. Unfortunately, this was at the same time as Nathaniel was on his way to work. Well, the driver swerved and began barreling toward the switch, Nathaniel slithered quickly trying to think of something he could do to avert global destruction. The driver, seeing the switch, veered back toward the road and squished the snake.

When talking to the authorities later, he sniffled, grief stricken, "Well, I guess it's better Nate than lever."