Snips Of Description

The sea slug sucks up some water.

The water has nowhere to go.

Slowly the sea slug remembers what happened.

A grasp, a hot squeeze, two rows of white baby teeth, top and bottom, darkness, then snap!

Or was it snap and then darkness?

No, no, no!

Bertille's face is close now.

Was it her? No it wasn't. I know her. What is she saying?

Bertille is saying:

Sea slug dear, don't drink so fast, you have lost your new body and must start again, don't despair.

The sea slug head twists and turns.

It's true the beautiful new body is missing. The body he worked so hard on. Using snips of description. 

But you are young, says Bertille, and you have lots of energy. 

It is kind of her to say so. Lots of energy.

He sucks up some more.

It's trying! says Bertille.

Excellent, says Gaius. Perhaps the Head of Slugs would like to take it back to his office.

It seems to have taken to you and your party, says the Head of Slugs.

True, says Gaius. And Terence would miss it.

And me, says Bertille.

Then we shall keep it, says Gaius. 

A good decision, says the Head of Slugs. Keep me posted regarding developments.

Certainly, says Gaius.

Now Jean-Claude arrives, with Terence and Rusty.

Is it still alive? cries Terence.

Yes, says Bertille. Look, it's drinking water. It's trying.

Terence stares at the head of the sea slug. 

Hey! says Terence. 

The head of the sea slug turns towards Terence.

I've got something for you, says Terence.

He reaches into his shorts pocket and pulls out the sea slug head's body.

A sad thing it looks now.

The delicate frills of the lateral parapodia have closed around it like a sausage.