The Future Is Compost

Gaius opens his front door. Faint music floats through the corridor.

Go in, says Gaius, to the Growling Grass Frog and Saint Roley.

They go in.

Gaius turns back to check his mail box.

Saint Roley and the Growling Grass Frog reach the kitchen.

TERENCE! cries Kobo. Turn that TV off.

The music continues.

Gaius comes in.

Rubbish, rubbish, rubbish, says Gaius, sorting his mail. And one free pen.

Right, says Gaius. Newcastle.

Saint Roley and the Growling Grass Frog follow the music.

Terence is watching TV.

Beside him, on a low table, is a bowl, from which a sour smell is coming.

The Growling Grass Frog hops over.

He is so hungry. Perhaps it is food.

He pokes it. May I try some?

NOO! cries Terence. It's my Red Parrot Potato!

Alas. How the mighty are fallen. The Red Parrot Potato, star of Candide but a few nights ago, is a black slime ball. His red feathers droop over the bowl. His peduncles have dropped out and dried up.

Saint Roley looks at Terence. Never mind. It will soon be Easter.

Wah! cries Terence. Something bad always happens!

What's done is done, says Saint Roley. Remember my brother. I have recently learned that he may have undergone a renewal.

(Wishful thinking. But there you are. That's how the mind works).

The Red Parrot Potato doesn't want a renewal.

He would rather be out of the story.

Gaius comes in.

 Terence, what are you doing here? asks Gaius.

Watching Baby Jake, says Terence. He's a magic baby. He's on a jungle adventure.

And what's this! cries Gaius. That old potato!

He picks up the bowl, and heads to the bin in the kitchen.

Not here, please, says Kobo.

Gaius takes the bowl outside and scrapes the potato, red feathers and peduncles into the green bin.

Red Parrot Potato lies amongst the dead rosemary branches, vine cuttings and unwanted gai choi.

The future is compost.

Baby Jake is finished. Terence runs into the kitchen.

The bowl is high up on the counter. He can't see what's in it.

Now, says Gaius. Flights to Newcastle. He taps on his phone.

Titan's testicles! says Gaius. That's expensive. I'll try Sydney. Hmm. That's still expensive. I'll get Arthur to book it. Where IS Arthur?

Arthur and Sweezus have delivered Margaret's car back to Margaret.

Now they have no transport.

In the city, they wait for a bus.

A bus comes.

They board the bus.

Arthur explains to the driver that they have no money.

Who would not believe Arthur?

The driver says, Okay, no worries. Get on.