His First Bristlemas

It's good we got away with a warning, says Dries, as he and Gaius cycle away from Brisbane airport.

I fail to see why we needed a warning, says Gaius. We did nothing wrong.

It's the times, says Dries. Airlines are jumpy.

True, says Gaius. And there was bloodshed. But all's well that ends well.

Are we there yet? asks Terence, poking his head out of the back back. My parrot feels chalky.

No, says Gaius. It's a long way to the Brain Institute. What do you mean chalky?

White and crumbly, says Terence.

Like cheese? asks Dries.

No like me, when I feel chalky, says Terence. Actually it's me that feels chalky.

Don't be silly, says Gaius. You are just seeking attention.

I'm going to throw up, says Terence.

We'd better stop, says Dries. I don't want him to throw up in my back pack.

They stop.

Terence is lifted out of the back pack, along with baby B-B, and placed on the grass.

Better now? says Dries. Try some deep breathing.

Terence tries some deep breathing. It's hard.

What's Bristlemas? asks baby B-B.

Pardon? says Gaius.

What's Bristlemas? Holly said it was Bristlemas, says baby B-B.

You must have misheard her, says Dries. She said Christmas. That's was why the captain let us off with a warning. Because it was Christmas.

Christmas, says Terence. Is it Christmas?

Not yet, says Gaius. Tomorrow.

Terence perks up. He feels less chalky.

Tomorrow is our birthday, says Terence to baby B-B.  I get presents. You get .....what do you normally get for Bristlemas?

Baby B-B, doesn't know. This will be his first Bristlemas.

Say anything, says Terence. They have to buy it.

Coffee, says baby B-B.

You'll get it, says Terence.

What about you? asks Dries.

A scooter, says Terence.

Baby B-B wishes he'd said a scooter as well.

Too late now.

They are lifted back into the orange back pack.

Dries and Gaius continue their journey through Brisbane.

Some time later they arrive at the Brain Institute.

It is closed.

There is note on the door.

Closed for Christmas. Gone to Port Stephens. Back 5th of Jan.