Certain Hopes Entertained

Arthur and Gaius set off on their bikes.

The rain may be easing, says Gaius.

Or it may not be, says Arthur.

One or the other, says Gaius. Never mind, it's not far to Victor. Then we'll catch the bus home.

Okay, says Arthur. 

Heads down and pedal.

Cars pass them with their headlights on, wipers swishing, wheels sending up spray.

A car pulls over in front of them. 

A back window opens.

Terence's head pokes out.

Stop, Gaius and Arthur! says Terence.

Gaius and Arthur stop and wheel their bikes up to the car.

We'll pick you guys up in Victor, says Sweezus. 

Are you going that way? asks Gaius. 

We are now, says Sweezus. Okay?

Very kind, says Gaius. Sure there's enough room for us?

I'm going to sit on the suitcase, says Terence.

Or it can go in the boot, says Sweezus.

Not with me on it, says Terence. 

No not you, says Sweezus. And not Roo-kai.

Is Roo-kai with you? asks Gaius.

Yes I am, says Roo-kai. But I can always fly, if there's a problem.

There isn't a problem, says Terence.

Good, sorted, says Sweezus See you in Victor.

He starts the engine, and drives off towards Victor. 

Terence's cement hand is seen to be waving, until it disappears in the rain.

Gaius and Arthur pedal on.

Terence shouldn't have his arm protruding out of the window, says Gaius.

You should have told him, says Arthur.

Too late now, says Gaius.

You could call them, says Arthur.

I suppose so, says Gaius. He stops and calls Sweezus.

Ring ring. 

Hello? says Kant. Sweezus can't answer his phone at the moment. Can I help you?

Yes, says Gaius. Does Terence still have his arm out of the back window?

There is a pause in which Kant turns around.

Yes, says Kant.

Tell him it's dangerous, says Gaius. No wait, don't tell him it's dangerous, just tell him we can't see him waving any more and to bring his arm in and close the window.

Certainly, says Kant. I wondered where that draft was coming from. 

I wouldn't be surprised if everything on the back seat is wet, says Gaius. 

Nor would I, says Kant. Thanks for the warning.

You're welcome, says Gaius.

The call ends.

Terence, says Kant. Why have you got your arm out of the window?

I'm waving to Gaius and Arthur, says Terence.

They can no longer see you, says Kant. Bring your arm in. And close the window.

Okay, says Terence.

He brings his arm in.

Wah! His claw has come off in the rain. The glue must have softened.

My claw! wails Terence.

What's up? asks Sweezus.

My claw fell out of the window! says Terence. We have to go back.

We'd never find it, says Sweezus.

He's right, says Kant. But what if I call Gaius and ask him to look for it?

YES! says Terence. 

Kant calls Gaius, who answers at once.

Yes? says Gaius.

Terence has lost his claw, says Kant. He wants you and Arthur to look for it. It should be on the road somewhere.

Dear me, says Gaius. Arthur!

What ? asks Arthur.

Keep an eye out for Terence's claw, says Gaius. He's lost it.

All right, says Arthur.

He slows down, scanning the road for the little curved claw.

We're looking, says Gaius. Tell Terence not to worry.

Very well, says Kant. I'll leave you to it.

Terence is holding the place on his hand where the claw was.

Gaius says not to worry, says Kant. 

Why? asks Terence. 

He didn't say, says Kant. But he probably thinks he and Arthur will find it.

Yay! says Terence.

After all, says Kant, one may rationally entertain certain hopes even if doubts may be raised against them so long as these doubts do not attain a certainty.

What? asks Terence.

I added that for Sweezus's benefit, says Kant. 

Cool, yeah, says Sweezus. Could you like, maybe, write it down?