The Cruel Passenger

Everyone is ready.

Kierkegaard has packed a few borrowed items (polo shirt, sunscreen, hat). And his good trousers.

Gaius has done the cling wrap himself, since Terence failed to do it.

Three salad bowls are now stacked in a foil-lined container.

A breakfast bowl, also covered with cling wrap, has been placed in a tall paper bag.

Terence has been ready for ages.

Ready? says Gaius.

Yes. What about you? asks Kierkegaard.

Gaius picks up his back pack.

Ready.

They cross the road to the bus stop. The bus comes. They get on the bus.

Going on holiday? asks the driver.

No, says Terence. We're going to get off this bus and get on another bus. Then go on holiday.

Good one, says the driver.

Terence sits down next to the foil lined container, with strict instructions.

The Strict Instructions:

1. Don't open the container.

2. Or try to talk to the crabs.

Gaius is sitting right behind Terence and will know if he disobeys the instructions.

Kierkegaard is sitting behind Gaius, with the paper bag containing Alexander-Red-Hook on his lap.

He feels a wetness.

He opens the paper bag and peers in.

The breakfast bowl has leaked, what a nuisance. He takes it out. Removes the cling wrap with the intention of replacing it tightly.

Are we there already? asks Alexander-Red-Hook.

No, says Kierkegaard. You have leaked, that's why this is happening.

I have leaked? says Alexander-Red-Hook. I think you'll find it's the cling wrap. There's a hole in it.

So there is. Now what?

Kierkegaard has that feeling he feels when events do not proceed as expected.

You can't do much about it, says Alexander-Red-Hook. Not on the bus. Can I get out and sit on your shoulder?

Whatever for? asks Kierkegaard.

To see better, says Alexander-Red-Hook. I like to know where I am.

I'd rather you didn't, says Kierkegaard. Just sit quietly.

Okay, says Alexander-Red-Hook. Then help me compose my obituary.

The woman who is sitting beside Kierkegaard can no longer pretend that nothing is happening.

She reaches over and takes Alexander-Red-Hook out of the breakfast bowl and sits her on her left shoulder (on the window side).

Not many commuters would do this.

Kierkegaard is surprised. And also embarrassed.

She probably thinks he is cruel.