Crab Reiki

Don't worry about the crabs now, says Belle. Come to Lauren's.

Yes, of course, says Gaius. Does she still have the shop?

Yes, says Belle, but she had to close it. Which is good luck for you. She'll let you camp there.

That is kind, says Gaius.

 Yes, the nights have been chilly, says Belle.

They all head to Lauren's.

Who is Lauren? asks Kierkegaard.

She's Surfing-with-Whales's mother, says Gaius. She makes knick-knacks and practises Reiki.

Oh, yes, says Kierkegaard. Lauren Swales?

You know her? says Gaius.

Heard of her, says Kierkegaard.

Where's SWEEZUS? asks Terence.

Where do you think? says Marie. Out there, surfing.

She gestures towards the ocean, where surfers are bobbing.

They have now reached the shop.

Belle waves through the window.

Lauren opens the door.

Come in, I've painted dots on the floor. Find one and stand on it. Can I get you a coffee?

Water will be fine, says Gaius. This is kind of you, Lauren.

No worries, says Lauren. Hello Terence. What's that you've got there?

Crabs! says Terence. We've only got three left. We had six, but three died.

Good subtracting! says Lauren. I hope you disposed of them thoughtfully.

Belle threw two in the bin, says Terence. But Alexander-Yellowsun's in a pickle jar.

Along with her eggs, says Gaius

Hmm, says Lauren. Are you certain  she's dead? I could try out my Reiki.

Kierkegaard is intrigued. Crab Reiki?

This is Sören Kierkegaard, says Gaius.

I know, says Lauren. Hello Sören. A dear friend told me all about you.

Nothing bad I hope? says Kierkegaard.

No, no, says Lauren. Just a difference of ...er ...opinion.

She goes into her kitchen to get glasses of water.

She comes back.

Wonderful, says Gaius. Now we must deal with the crabs.

He takes them from their bowls and places them on Lauren's table.

Alexander-Curly, Alexander-Groovy and Alexander-Red-Hook look wary.

They thought they were going to a beach.

Here they are in a knick-knack shop.

Now what?