Let It Be What It Is

That night they sleep under the stars. It is all very proper.

Next morning, Pastor Moon drives Dr Valentine back to Hay District Hospital and drops her at the entrance.

Goodbye Ray, says Dr Valentine. Drive safely.

Goodbye Frances, says Ray.  I would write, but I know you hate paperwork.

Exactly, says Dr Valentine, wisely. Let it be what it is.

..........

Pastor Moon, Olive Python and Charles Red-belly are heading for Renmark.

It's a four and a half hour drive. They should be there by lunch time.

Ray, says Charles Red-belly, from deep in the snake box.

Yes, says Pastor Moon.

Ray Moon, says Charles Red-belly. That's a good name.

To be frank, I used to find it embarrassing, says Pastor Moon.

..........

Renmark. Elegant wide streets. Green grass. A river.

Lunch time, says Pastor Moon. We'll stop here.

He gets out of the Toyota Ute with the snake box, and sets it down on the grass.

You two stay here, says Pastor Moon. I'll go and buy something.

He crosses the road and enters the Renmark Hotel.

What do we do? says Olive. We haven't eaten for ages.

Exit the box, says Charles Red-belly, flicking the latch of the snake box.

........

Pastor Moon looks at the Menu.

Angas Beef Burger? Grilled Haloumi?

As he hesitates, his phone rings.

Ring ring.

Dad! says Unni. Why aren't you there yet? Has anything happened?

I'm in Renmark, says Pastor Moon. About to have lunch. Beef Burger or Grilled Haloumi?

Grilled Haloumi, says Unni. No question.

I'll be in Adelaide by dinner time, says her father. Don't worry. Everything's fine.

He goes up to the counter and orders an Angas Beef Burger.

Smiles at the minor defiance.

.......

Olive Python and Charles Red-belly are lunching on frogs.

It is peaceful and calm by the river. ( Unless you're a frog ).

Did you hear what he said about his name? says Olive Python.

He's embarrassed. He wants to be Frank, says Charles Red-belly.

And she was called Frances, says Olive Python.

I call that romantic, don't you?