Metaphysical Matters

Did you spot any tadpoles? asks Gaius, when Saint Roley comes back.

Better than that, says Saint Roley. Two live marsupial tree frogs.

What? says Simon. I don't believe it!

Believe it, says Saint Roley. I left them at the bus stop. I assumed we'd be returning to Riobamba this evening.

Was that the plan? asks Gaius.

No it wasn't, says Lydia. We were going to camp here.

To what end? asks Saint Roley. You have lost all your tadpoles.

We have Gastro, says Lydia.

Bad luck, says Saint Roley I had that when I ate the encebollado.

Princess Pacchu giggles.

Gastro looks up. He has been listening.

What's so funny?

Nothing, says Gaius. Did you hear the good news? Saint Roley has discovered two of your siblings in a stream near the bus stop.

This bus stop? asks Gastro.

No, The Chimborazo entrance bus stop, says Tilly. Someone should go back and collect them.

I'll go, says Buzz.

Take a container, says Simon.

Take mine, says Gastro. In fact, I'll come with you.

Good plan, says Gaius.  If they are reluctant, you can persuade them.

Buzz sets off with Gastro, towards the bus stop.

Gastro in the reheatable plastic container, with the lid off.

I thought I was the only one, says Gastro. How should I greet them?

I'll do the talking, says Buzz.

It is getting quite dark now, as we know, because it is dusk further up.

Should've brought a torch, mutters Buzz.

Surely your phone has one, says Gastro.

Sometimes frogs can surprise us, and in a good way.

Good thinking! says Buzz.

He walks briskly, torch on, playing an emoji quiz game, wasting his battery.

Ten minutes later, he reaches the stream.

The two frogs are waiting, in a bad mood.

About time, says one.

About time, says the other.

We have a complaint to make, says the one.

About the disappearance of certain tadpoles, says the other.

Buzz had been going to do the talking but he had not expected complaints from the rescued.

Gastro pops his head up.

Da-dah! says Gastro.

Perhaps not the best introduction.

And you are? says the one frog.

Your BROTHER! So you see there is nothing at all to complain about, says Gastro.

Overly cheerful.

The two frogs say nothing. They examine his features.

Okay, says the first. Perhaps you are our brother. Take us to Arthur.

You're not going to Arthur, says Buzz. You're going to Simon.

Before they can protest he grabs them both by their mid regions, safely securing their legs to prevent them from kicking.

He drops them into Gastro's reheatable plastic container with Gastro and presses the lid on.

It's a tight squeeze inside.

Not ideal conditions for discussing metaphysical matters.