That's Why I'm Here

Arthur arrives at the upturned red and white spotted umbrella.

He picks it up.

Leave it! says Tilly.

It's for snakes, says Terence.

They are standing beside the trail, on a rock.

Okay, says Arthur. He puts down the umbrella.

Snakes! says Quiet-Tartus. How many?

We saw one, says Tilly. It was swimming towards us.

What did you do? asks Arthur.

Tried to prong it! says Terence.

Did NOT! says Tilly.

Where's Gaius? asks Terence.

Not coming, says Arthur. That's why I'm here.

Yippee! says Terence. You won't make us go back!

Does my mum know? asks Tilly.

Roo-kai would have told her, says Terence.

So let's go, says Arthur. 

What about the umbrella? asks Quiet-Tartus.

I don't want it, says Tilly. 

There might be more snakes, says Arthur.

Bring it, says Quiet-Tartus.

Arthur grabs it. It was floating away.

The rain is not stopping. The water is knee deep on Terence.

Could you carry me? asks Terence.

No, says Arthur. Keep going. 

I hope my medal floats by, says Terence.

Will it float? asks Tilly.

Yes, says Terence. Everyone, look out for it.

What does it look like? asks Tilly.

A medal, says Terence. On a French ribbon.

Red, white and blue, says Tilly. Is that it over there?

A red, white and blue ribbon is hooked round a half-submerged myrtle.

YES! cries Terence.

Arthur unhooks it.

It's just the ribbon. The medal is missing.

We have to keep looking, says Terence.

The waters are rising! says Quiet-Tartus.

We should go back, says Tilly.

Arthur knows this. But he likes being out in a rain storm with water rising around him and a lost medal which could be anywhere.

What's your mum's number? asks Arthur.

Tilly tells him. He calls it.

Hello! says Coralie. 

Can you come and get Tilly? asks Arthur.

I'm right behind you, says Coralie.

Arthur turns.

A much larger red and white spotted umbrella is approaching, held aloft by a woman in waders.