Wilderness Peach Stones and Dancing

It is not always possible to avert a coincidence.

Sometimes it is merely postponed.

So when Ying and Li Feng reach Gaius's house late in the evening, and ring his front door bell, in order to deliver Kobo safely home.......

Ding dong!

Gaius: Coming! (opens the door). Good evening, young ladies. Not Mormons, I trust at this hour?

Ying (giggling): No we're not Mormons. We're bringing Kobo home....but, you look ....

Li Feng: Hee hee.

Ying: Shut up Li Feng. What?

Li Feng (whispers ): It's him. The famous natural historian, Bliny the Elder.

Ying: Li Feng!

Lui Feng: Sorry. Did I get his name wrong?

Gaius; Ladies ladies, the night is drawing on. Where is Kobo?

Ying: Here she is.

Kobo: Hello, Gaius. I fear this is somewhat embarrassing.

Gaius: Not at all, Kobo. Ageless has been beside himself. Will you ladies come in?

Ying: Do you remember me?

Gaius (looking closely): Ying! We met in Tasmania! You had just completed your first year of Natural Environment and Wilderness Studies. You accompanied us to Dismal Swamp. You found a fossilised peach stone. You see, I do remember. Come in, both of you.

Ying: It's a bit late but....

Li Feng: Not that late.

They go in.

Kong Fu-Zi is at the kitchen table, with Ageless.

Imagine the reunion.

Kong puts on the kettle. Makes everyone Rooibos tea.

Ageless eyes Kobo.

Will she say it?

You NUDGED me! You made me fall into a handbag. I detest you.

But no. She doesn't say it. Her eyes, which he cannot see, are shining.

She is enchanted by Ying.

Ying, who once found a fossilised peach stone, in Tasmania.

Such a beautiful story.

She has forgotten all else, including Baby Pierre.

.......

Baby Pierre and Daniel O'Connell are on their way home to Gaius's, on the bus.

Daniel O'Connell is excited.

Crowdfunding, says Daniel O'Connell. What a lovely idea that is. Money for the asking.

Sure, says Baby Pierre. It sounds easy.

It does indeed, says Daniel O'Connell. How much do you think I should ask for?

A lot, says Baby Pierre. Because your expenses won't stop when you reach the Canaries.

I see that, says Daniel O'Connell. I'll be schmoozing with the Black Jumping Spiders.

They might like to go dancing, says Baby Pierre.

Oh yes, says Daniel O'Connell. They might like to go dancing.

Sure, says Baby Pierre. So how much will you ask for? Ten thousand?

Yes, says Daniel O'Connell. Ten thousand should do it.

The bus stops at Stop Nine. They get off the bus and walk round the corner.

Ding dong!

Gaius: Now who could that be at this hour? Coming!