The Long Dreadful Smear Of Events

Next morning in the high Alpine Village, there is plenty of snow.

Sweezus is going up in the ski lift, with May, who is now dressed more warmly.

Arthur is tobogganing down a steep and dangerous slope, dotted with spikes, behind Heron.

Colourfully well-wrapped children are tumbling over, and getting up again.

Laughter tinkles through the crisp air.

Terence is being pulled on a tin tray by Gaius, in and out of the pine trees.

Every now and then Terence looks sad.

When Terence looks sad, Gaius says, Shall we go faster?

And Terence answers, Yes please.

And Gaius goes faster.

And the Elegant Parrot flutters overhead, looking vaguely guilty.

It is because of last night in the night club. This is what happened:

Gaius walks up to the bar, holding Terence by the neck and the shorts.

He has seen Arthur, who has just made Heron laugh, with a joke about fish.

Thud. He puts Terence down firmly, as though making a point to Arthur about duty of care.

Squelch! A thin stream of Green Grocer Cicada squirts out from under Terence.

NOOOO!

Gaius (or Terence) has squashed the Green Grocer Cicada, sending him through the Mystery Door a bit early.

Arthur, Heron, Terence and Gaius regard the long smear of exposed insides.

Terence is stricken.

I've KILLED him!

No, says the Elegant Parrot. He's moving. No wait, but yes, he is dead.

He's DEAD and he's MOVING, cries Terence. He's a SPIRIT!

I don't think so, says Arthur.

Maybe? says Terence.

Heron picks up one end of the Green Grocer Cicada.

Does anyone want him? Or shall I....

Well, says the Elegant Parrot, if he's going begging....

And right in front of the eyes of Terence and Gaius and Arthur, Heron feeds the remains of the Green Grocer Cicada to the Elegant Parrot.

But it's only what any ornithologist would do.

So yes, that was dreadful.

Let's not dwell on those events any longer.

Now it is morning.