Lethe-Sauce

Did one of those mussels just speak? asks Louttit.

I don't think so, says Dufresne.

It did, says Baudin. It asked what a swoon is.

Seems unlikely, says Louttit.

Ahem, says the spokes-mussel. I did ask what a swoon is, on behalf of us all.

And why do you all want to know what a swoon is? asks Dufresne. Are you thinking of falling into one, before we consume you?

That is the question, says the spokes-mussel. You fell into one before being eaten. Would you say it was better?

Than what? asks Dufresne.

Not being eaten at all, laughs Louttit.

Shut up, Louttit, says Baudin. It's worth understanding their perspective.

Not better than not being eaten at all, says the spokes-mussel. We all agree that is the best scenario. But we are here on a plate, so our options are limited.

So, swoon better, swoon worse? says Dufresne. Let me consider.

You haven't explained what it is, says Baudin.

No you haven't, says the spokes-mussel. Is it some type of sauce?

Ha ha! Lethe-sauce, laughs Louttit.

Shut UP! Louttit, says Baudin.

But the rest of the mussels are laughing as well. Lethe-sauce! That's pretty funny.

Can you order us a side serve of Lethe-sauce? asks a cheeky one.

It's too late now, says Dufresne. But good try.

Dufresne, Louttit and Baudin eat the mussels, one after another. 

The mussels slide down sweetly.

Some pretend they are sliding down a slide in a children's playground. Plop.  

Some imagine they have been dipped in Lethe-sauce.

One or two lucky ones swoon naturally.

Sometimes the best things just happen.