The Remains Of The Spray

Terence has made a cake ball.

He offers it to Spike.

No way, says Spike. You got that cake off the cheese knife and rolled it between your fingers.

So what? says Terence. My fingers are clean.

What's that then? asks Spike.

She is looking at the sunflower seed finger, with the dried sprout hanging off it. It doesn't look clean.

I didn't use that one, says Terence.

And I'm full of hot chips, says Spike.

I know! says Terence. Let's take it down to Jinjing and the dog and the wombat!

Shh! says Spike. Okay, but wait till mum and dad are asleep.

Mum and dad have not yet got comfy.

They move this way and that.

Ugh! says mum. I think there's a bed bug!

Ask those two women, says Dad. They've got that spray.

Mum feels awkward about asking, since they had the disagreement with Margaret and Katherine, about seating.

But hey.

Excuse me, says mum, addressing Katherine. Could we borrow your spray?

Katherine is just finishing her half slice of passionfruit cheescake.

Certainly, says Katherine. Have you discovered a bed bug?

I think so, says mum. But it could be psychological.

A psychological bed bug, says Katherine. One should think twice before spraying such a creature.

Ha ha, laughs mum. I'll risk it.

Katherine hands mum the spray.

Mum sprays her recliner until the spray is almost finished.

What about mine? says dad.

Mum sprays dad's recliner with the remains of the spray.

A politer person would now hand back the empty spray can with an apology for using the entire contents.

But mum just looks round for a bin.

There isn't one.

She doesn't want to lie down yet. The spray stinks.

You didn't do mine, mum, says Spike.

Sorry pet, says mum.  But I reckon the spray will have done for every bug in our row.

Shall I find a bin for you? asks Spike.

Good on you, says mum. But I'll go.

Mum walks off with the spray can.

Dad has fallen asleep, knocked out by the bug spray.

Let's GO, Terence! whispers Spike.

Terence has forgotten. Go where?

Bring the cake ball! says Spike.

Terence remembers.

He glances at Katherine and Margaret.

Margaret is asleep and Katherine is reading.

The coast is clear.

He follows Spike with the cake ball.