Lost Under A Tree

I didn't think penguins had houses, says Rusty.

They don't, says Bertille. It's a penguin joke. And Terence didn't tell it properly.

Yes I did, says Terence. Gaius explained it. 

What did he say? asks Bertille.

They use igloo, says Terence. And igloos are houses.

It's still not funny, says Rusty.

You're just sad because your toes are missing, says Terence. But I lost a finger. And now look. 

He wiggles his claw.

So you never found the finger? says Rusty.

Yes, says Terence. But I swapped it for my friend's claw, and he got the finger. 

So you're blood brothers, says Rusty.

Yes, says Terence. If you get your toes back, and give one to me, we'll be blood brothers.

What will I get? asks Rusty.

Joy! says Terence.

Shall we have lunch now? says Mathilde. I've brought a picnic.

Yes, says Jean-Claude. But not in front of the penguins. 

They leave the penguin pool and find a seat close to the tropical pavilion.

Mathilde hands out the salad baguettes.

Terence and Rusty aren't eating.

They are thinking about what might happen.

What if Gaius comes back with your toes? says Terence.

I'll be happy, says Rusty.

Not yet, says Terence. 

Why not? asks Rusty.

Because you haven't decided, says Terence.

Decided what? asks Rusty.

If you want them back, says Terence. Gaius uses fish glue. 

What's wrong with that? asks Rusty.

Nothing, says Terence. And what if they're covered in vomit? Or poo?

Gaius will wash them, says Rusty.

So you HAVE decided, says Terence. We won't be blood brothers.

No, we won't, says Rusty. Fingers are less important than toes.

The otter's probably lost them, says Terence. They might have rolled under a tree.

This is one too many possibilities for Rusty.

He starts weeping, picturing his toes, lost by the otter, under a tree.