That Which Is Axiomatic

It's Saturday. Butterfly and Fish go to Little Athletics on Saturday.

They get dressed somewhat faster than usual.

Little Athletics is buzzing with parents and children.

The sun beats down relentlessly. The grass exudes a damp sportsmanlike smell.

The hurdles program is cancelled due to hoons doing donuts on the oval. Program one will be followed instead.

Ray Moon is there.

Ray! says David. I didn't expect to see you here.

Community service, says Ray. I'm on the sausage sizzle.

Fish is racing, says Katherine. Over there. Hurry up, David.

Coming, says David.

Yes, says Ray. Community is big here in Blaxland.

That is axiomatic, says David.

What? says Ray.

A given, says David. We all agree. Community is big here in Blaxland.

Except for the few, says Ray darkly, looking across at the place where the grass has been churned up by hoons.

There are always the few, agrees David.

Fish won his race, says Katherine. And you weren't watching. Now come and watch Butterfly. She's doing the Vortex.

The purpose of competition eludes me, says David.

These days they go for PBs, says Katherine.

To what end? asks David.

Self improvement, says Katherine, as a long drawn out race thunders by.

David watches a struggling boy, sympathetically.

.........


Afternoon. The family is at the Hog's Breath Cafe, to celebrate Butterfly's birthday.

Good choice, Butterfly, says Daddy, as he orders a large plate of ribs.

Butterfly and Fish order Curly Fries and Nuggets. Fish spills his sauce on the table.

David has Fisherman's Basket. Mummy and Katherine order salads, which are quite nice.

Butterfly looks at the menu again before leaving.

Kids get free ice cream! says Butterfly. It says here!

This is the trouble with reading, says Daddy.

.......

Later. At home.

A cake is being made. A dream cake for Butterfly. In layers.

Meringue, cream, marshmallow, meringue, cream, raspberry jam, coconut, crushed Iced Vo-Vo biscuits, meringue, cream, tiny red and white striped meringues on the top and a sprinkling of biscuit crumbs. A single candle in the shape of a seven.

What's the best thing about being seven? asks Daddy at tea time.

No more booster seat, says Butterfly.

Fish is thoughtful. The future looks bright.