Fur Shoes

The Head of Slugs walks back to the rock where Rusty is sitting.

Rusty is swinging his feet.

The Head of Slugs notices that Rusty's big toes are both missing.

Should he say something?

No. Too late now. 

And Rusty seems untroubled.

Come on, says Terence. Let's go!

Where to? asks Bertille. The Tropical Pavilion?

Not yet, says Terence. Back where we came from. I missed out on seeing the penguins.

We all did, says Mathilde. Have we time to return to the Polar Pavilion and visit the penguins?

Bien sur, says Jean-Claude. We have all day.

Gaius turns to the Head of Slugs, who must surely be busy.

Shall we join them? asks Gaius. Or shall we repair to your office?

I'm on a break at the moment, says the Head of Slugs. And I too enjoy penguins.

Come on Rusty! says Terence.

Rusty gets down. He seems unsteady

You're losing your balance, says Bertille.

Rusty looks down at his toes. 

Where are your big toes? asks Bertille.

I don't need them, says Rusty. I'm getting some fur shoes.

Not from Hideo, says the Head of Slugs. Did he promise you fur shoes?

Yes, says Rusty.

Hmm, says the Head of Slugs. I'll deal with him later.

Rusty looks sad. No fur shoes, no big toes, and his ice cream is finished.

Come ON! says Terence. Penguins have jokes. You'll be happy!

Don't expect decent jokes from our penguins, says the Head of Slugs. 

But Terence has raced away from the otter pool, towards the Polar Pavilion.

Otters have better jokes, says the Head of Slugs.

Now that does surprise me, says Gaius.

Where do otters come from? asks the Head of Slugs.

A serious question? asks Gaius.

Otter space, says the Head of Slugs.

Gaius realises it was a riddle.

Ha ha! Good one! says Gaius.