A Second Sex Breeze

Two things are now happening, in Paris.

The research team, with Arthur included, is boarding a very fast train for Saint Malo.

Arthur has organised everything.

Almost everything.

Sweezus is meeting Sartre on a corner.

They will both be on bicycles.

The plan is to ride somewhere at random, speaking of existential matters and what it is to be human.

If topology is mentioned, it will be as a side issue.

Ditto for prunes.

Back to the station, which is Paris-Gare-Montparnasse.

The research team boards the very fast train.

Sit anywhere, says Arthur. Actually, don't sit down yet.

Can we run up and down the carriage? asks Baldy.

Yes, says Arthur. You can be the spotters.

You're very organised, Arthur, says Splosh.

He might not be as organised as you think, says Belle. I bet we're seat-hopping.

That's cool, says Splosh. I'm all for it.

I don't mind either, says Belle. What about you, Gaius?

Seat hopping? says Gaius. Is this some modern new application?

Kind of, says Belle. Oh well, it's only two hours forty minutes, and we'll be in Saint Malo.

Baldy and Terence come running back. No empty seats spotted.

The very fast train moves smoothly forward.

Sweezus and Sartre have met on the corner.

Simone de Beauvoir has come too.

This could be a nuisance.

She is wearing her light bamboo hat, with the raffia flowers.

It doesn't appear to have fixings, and could blow off easily.

How lovely, to be cycling together through Paris, says Simone. But don't mind me.

We won't, says Sartre.

Typical, laughs Simone. We women are still the second sex, and yet, who gets read more often?

You do, dear, says Sartre.

When I think of all those children you never let me have, says Simone.

You didn't want them. And this is not a good time to bring up children...

Oh, very clever. But sorry, your interview. Go ahead, Sweezus. Ask him about human existence and radical freedom.

I was going to, says Sweezus.

He hopes for a breeze. Then her hat will blow off.

Or a chance encounter.