The Imaginary Fish

We're Fairy Penguins! said Catherine. Let's catch fish!

Alright! said Sweezus, in a penguin voice.

Catherine, Jean and Sweezus waddled into the bathroom.

There's one! said Jean. I caught it!

Let's cook it! said Catherine.

They waddled into a bedroom.

Where's the oven? asked Penguin Sweezus.

Here it is, said Catherine, and shoved the imaginary fish between two pillows.

....

Meanwhile Gaius, Camus and Francine were still sitting at the table.

Your friend is good with children, said Francine. Would you two like to stay with us tonight? We have spare rooms.

Thank you for the offer, said Gaius, but this place is too luxurious. We have booked a cabin at the local caravan park which will be perfectly adequate for our needs.

As you like, said Camus. But will you come with us to Granite Island in the morning? We're going to look for Fairy Penguins.

We would love to, said Gaius. Wouldn't we? he added, seeing Penguin Sweezus who had poked his head around the door to look for sharks.

Ooh! A shark! squeaked Sweezus. Stay inside, you two!

Sea eagles and seals are far more dangerous to penguins, said Gaius. In case you didn't know.

The fish is burning! cried Catherine, from the bedroom.

And they don't cook fish! said Gaius crossly.

Chill out, said Sweezus. It's just a game.

He came back to the table and sat down.

I've been thinking, he said to Camus. What you said about the weather being irrelevant. You wrote The Stranger, right?

Right, said Camus.

About a guy who kills an Arab with a gun, Sweezus continued. And why does he kill the Arab?

He doesn't ever give an explanation, said Camus. Other than being bothered by the heat and glaring sunlight on the beach.

That's weather! said Sweezus. I rest my case.

Ha ha! said Francine. Albert, you've been outsmarted by a penguin!

Francine, don't be absurd, said Camus.