Pink Is Possible

Where were you when you lost it? asks Vello.

Just near where it is, says Terence.

Naturally, says Vello. But can you be more specific?

Terence thought he had been specific.

They have come through the gap in the bulrushes, that he made with his stick.

Vello has skirted the muddy patch.

Terence has stopped in the middle.

Why have you stopped in the mud puddle? asks Vello.

I'm looking for a plant with red seeds, says Terence. It was right near this puddle.

I think I see it, says Vello.

He points to a clump of red fruit saw sedge.

As luck would have it, it's the one the jellybean leapt into.

That's it! cries Terence, squelching out of the mud.

Vello is already peering into the saw sedge.

Nothing in here resembling a jellybean, says Vello.

Bumhole! says Terence.

Of course, it may not be red now, says Vello. It rained yesterday evening. It may have gone white.

u-u u-uu-uu! comes a semi-bird-sounding sound.

They turn. It's a yellow-rumped thornbill, its bill stuck through a small object.

I say! says Vello. That might be your jellybean!

No way. It's pink! says Terence.

It didn't rain all that much, says Vello. Pink is possible.

uu-uu! says the yellow-rumped thornbill.

I wonder if it would allow me to help it, says Vello.

Of course it would. That's what it's been asking.

Vello approaches.

He smiles the smile he usually reserves for ladies.

The thornbill is charmed.

Pop! Vello pulls the pink jellybean off with his thumb and first finger.

He hands the pink jellybean to Terence.

You again! says the pink jellybean.

The yellow-rumped thornbill flies off a short distance.

What a pity, says Vello. I ought to have taken a photo.

The yellow-rumped thornbill returns.

Go ahead, says the thornbill.

With your bill through the pink sweetie, says Vello. It's unusual.

The thornbill is willing to re-enact it, but the jellybean isn't.

Not yet.