What We Learn Watching Seagulls And Parrots

Saint Kilda esplanade.

Terence throws himself onto a seat, and stares at the pavement.

Seagulls have been there.

Where are they now?

Probably bobbing up and down on the ocean. Together.

A community of seagulls. Making plans. Fighting.

A mother strolls by with a stroller.

Her baby is in it, and toys.

The mother sees Terence sitting all by himself on a seat in Saint Kilda.

Something's not right, thinks the mother.

She turns the stroller, kicks the brake on, and sits down beside Terence.

Hello, little man, says the mother. Where's your mother?

Bobbing up and down in the ocean, making plans and fighting, says Terence.

What a silly thing to say.

Good heavens! Is she a seagull? laughs the mother.

No, says Terence. Maybe.  I wish she was. How would I know?

You're lost, says the mother. Would you like me to call a policeman?

She takes a phone from a voluminous bag, and calls the local police station.

While they wait for a policeman Terence looks in at the baby.

Beady-eyed baby. Striped clothes. It looks like a parrot. His parrot.

Hello, Parrot, says Terence.

The beady-eyed baby looks daggers at Terence.

Jealousy rules, amongst babies.

......

It's a quiet morning in Saint Kilda. Soon a policeman turns up.

Oho, says the policeman. Terence. Why am I not surprised?

You know this baby? says the mother.

I do, says Victor.

Well, we'll be off then, says the mother. I'm late for my Yummy Mummy class.

Have fun, Parrot, says Terence, as Parrot is wheeled away rapidly.

Parrot chucks a toy over the side of his stroller.

Now then, says Victor. Just let me make a phone call.

He gets out his special police phone.

Ring ring. He calls Belle et Bonne.

You're lucky, says Victor to Terence, when the phone call is over. She's coming to get you.

What about Grandpa? says Terence.

He's left, says Victor. Went back to Adelaide without you. You deserve it.

Terence looks glum. He knows he deserves it.

Victor is sorry he said it.

Let's go down to the beach and look at the seagulls while we're waiting, says Victor. Oh look, here's a toy.

Victor picks up the toy, and hands it to Terence.

It's a plush parrot. A soft toy. Which explains why the mother didn't notice.