Say I Wasn't

Can't you talk? asks Terence.

Kek kek, says Little Mystic

Plenty of time for that, says Gaius. Who's for an apple?

Another freakin' apple, says Surfing-with-Whales. Yeah, thanks.

There's always Lauren's green peppercorn cheddar, says Gaius.

No way, says Surfing-with-Whales. I'm not breaking that open.

Very well, says Gaius. Apples it must be.

I won't have an apple, says Philosopher Smith. I shall return to my waterfall.

Is that where you live? asks Terence. Up the ladder?

And thereabouts, says Philosopher Smith.  

It has been pleasant, says Gaius. We shall shortly be leaving for Tullah, and may not see you again.

Unless you return to drop off Little Mystic, says Philosopher Smith. 

Always possible, says Gaius. 

Philosopher Smith leaves for his waterfall.

I'd better return this blanket, says Surfing-with-Whales.

He goes off, with the blanket.

Now, Terence, says Gaius. You and Little Mystic can wait in the pullalong while I go and find the post office.

He lifts Terence and Little Mystic into the pullalong and goes to look for the post office to pay the camp fee.

Little Mystic is facing Terence, with the skateboard behind him

That's my skateboard, says Terence, to Little Mystic. 

Little Mystic turns his head and sees the dragons.

Kek kek!

They're not real dragons. says Terence. Don't be scared. And don't say kek kek. Say: I wasn't.

Kek kek, says Little Mystic.

I wasn't! says Terence.

Kek kek, repeats Little Mystic.

Okay, says Terence. You don't have to talk, but you have to do errands.

Kek kek, says Little Mystic.

I'll give you an easy one, says Terence.

Little Mystic waits for his errand.

Terence tries to think of an easy one.

Yes! His good stick.

He looks over the side of the pullalong and sees the stick on the ground, where Surfing-with-Whales left it.

Bring me the stick, says Terence.

Little Mystic is lower than Terence. He can't see the stick.

You probably can't see it, says Terence. I'll lift you.

He lifts Little Mystic and drops him over the side.

Kek kek.

Little Mystic sees the stick and tries to pick it up in his beak.

He does it!

Now bring it here, says Terence.

Little Mystic drags the stick closer to the pullalong.

He can't do more than that.

Terence reaches over the side of the pullalong.

Stretching for the stick.

Stretching...stretching...until.... 

His centre of gravity determines an unwelcome outcome