Sunday, August 22, 2021

An Unnecessary Hole

Bertille comes down the steps to the beach.

Are those the remains of the oystercatcher? asks Bertille.

Yes, says Terence. 

Why is Rusty kicking them? asks Bertille.

Ask him, says Terence. 

To see if they're joined together, says Rusty.

They're not now, says Bertille. Shall we dig a hole for them? That would be nicer than kicking him to pieces.

Yes, says Terence. Let's dig a bone hole.

They start digging.

Dad said to tell you someone will be coming from the museum to pick up the ship, says Bertille.

Do they know I'm here? asks Rusty.

No, dad didn't tell them, says Bertille. 

They might know anyway, says Terence.

I'll hide in this hole, says Rusty. When are they coming?

Today, says Bertille.

What about the bones? says Terence. I wouldn't hide in a hole with dead bones.

Me either, says Bertille. 

I would, says Rusty.

They keep digging.

The tide's coming in, says Bertille. We should just drop the bones in and go.

Gaius comes up behind them.

Time to go up the steps, says Gaius. What's this hole?

A bone hole, says Terence. 

That is unnecessary, says Gaius. 

He is carrying something in the palm of his hand.

Look, an elysia, says Gaius. The oystercatcher was most helpful. And he's promised to find a few more.

Bertille! Come up now! 

Jean-Claude is standing at the top of the steps with a museum official.

Oops! says Bertille. Hide, Rusty!

Rusty jumps into the hole.

The bones crack beneath him.

A puddle forms at the bottom.

The sides of the hole become fluid.

His feet sink deep into wet sand.

Get me out! cries Rusty.

Gaius lifts him out, forgetting what's in the palm of his hand.


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