I wrote a note and gave it to her to hand to the vet or whoever is at the counter if he is not available.

I might. I'll get his name. He tried to make small talk with me while Dave was in critical condition.

Him: "Do you know the three names ball pythons are called?"
Me Internally: "My snake has an open gash inches away from his head."

I'm not exactly one who speaks up. I shy away a lot which is a big problem for me.