Purple At Christmas

Surfing-with-Whales arrives in Strahan at the same time as Roo-kai.

He gets off his bike.

How's the ankle? asks Roo-kai.

Surfing-with-Whales leans his bike against a building and looks at his ankle.

Pedaling has done it no good.

Looks a bit.... purple, says Roo-kai. 

Yeah, I'm calling Lauren, says Surfing-with-Whales.

What can she do? asks Roo-kai.

Reiki, says Surfing-with-Whales. It worked with the cement burn.

Mm, says Roo-kai.

Surfing-with-Whales calls Lauren.

Ring ring.

Lauren answers. Hello?

Mum, says Surfing-with-Whales, are you busy?

Of course I'm busy,  says Lauren. I've got everyone over.

Over? says Surfing-with-Whales.

For a Christmas lunch, says Lauren. All the aunties and uncles and cousins. Want to say hi to anyone?

Not right now, says Surfing-with-Whales. I've twisted my ankle.

Again? says Lauren. 

That was a cement burn, says Surfing-with-Whales. And it's better. Got a minute to give me some reiki?

I suppose so, says Lauren. I 've got bread rolls in the oven, so it'll have to be quick.

I'm ready, says Surfing-with-Whales.

I bet you're standing up, says Lauren.

I'll sit down, says Surfing-with-Whales. There's a seat over there.

He wheels his bike to the seat and sits down on it. 

Sideways, with his feet up.

Ready? says Lauren. Let your mind open.

It's open, says Surfing-with-Whales.

Ommmm ommm omm OMG! says Lauren. The bread rolls!

The phone crackles. Voices are heard in the back ground. 

Quick! Open a window!

Hi Whalesey! says someone. Merry Christmas!

Where's mum? asks Surfing-with-Whales. 

Opening the windows, says the cousin. I'll get someone else.

Crackle, thump, crackle. 

Hello dear, says aunt Gladys.

A smoke alarm goes off.