Hopeful Whispers

Nerida comes back with a pack of mini Freddos.

Chocolate frogs! says Katherine. How appropriate.

Can I have one? asks Terence.

They're for Arthur, says Nerida. But he might let you have one.

She pokes Arthur, who seems to have faded.

Arthur experiences a yellow and blue awakening.

Accompanied by a rustle of chocolate.

He lowers his oxygen mask.

Look what Nerida has brought you, says Katherine.

I might be allowed one, says Terence. 

Arthur reaches into the packet which Nerida has opened.

He pulls out a mini Freddo and tears at the foil wrapping.

Let me help you, says Katherine. I don't know why chocolate Freddos need wrapping twice.

They're for lunch boxes and parties, says Nerida. And the big packet keeps them together.

You'd think they could come up with something better, says Katherine.

Arthur is about to bite the head off his Freddo.

Its last thought is 'why?'

Arthur bites it.

Can I have one? asks Terence.

Can he? asks Nerida.

Okay, says Arthur.

As long as he doesn't eat it, says Gaius.

Inside the packet of mini Freddos a whispering arises.

He doesn't eat it? 

A mini Freddo is chosen by Nerida, and given to Terence.

Terence unwraps his Freddo.

Oh! says Katherine. Was it wise to unwrap it?

Yes, says Terence. I'm not allowed to eat it so I'm going to talk to it. Hello Freddy!

Freddy says nothing.

Until faint hopeful whispers arise from the packet.

Ask him why!

Why? asks Freddy.

Because you're coming on an adventure, says Terence. We're going camping. We've got a tent each. Well, you havent, but you'll be with me. 

Freddy likes the sound of camping.

So do his buddies. 

But their fate will be different.

One by one, they disappear into Arthur.