A fine morning, with Queensland clouds.
Roo-kai is showing the knowlesi the Japanese garden.
Very nice, says the knowlesi. I should like to be buried on one of those islands.
If you were dead, says Roo-kai.
Ruurk! says the knowlesi.
Whereas I would not care where I was buried, says Roo-kai.
Are you Japanese? asks the knowlesi.
No, French, says Roo-kai.
So the French don't care.... begins the knowlesi.
No, just me, says Roo-kai.
What a peaceful contemplative garden, says Katherine, coming up behind them.
Ruurk! says the knowlesi.
He's imagining he's died, says Roo-kai.
That must be difficult, says Katherine. Or maybe I'm wrong. Is there a frog afterlife?
Not that I know of, says the knowlesi.
This garden is named Ju Raku En, says Katherine. It means to enjoy peace and longevity in a public place.
There you are, says Roo-kai. Longevity.
En? says the knowlesi.
That must mean a public place, says Roo-kai. Oops! Look who's coming!
It's Letitia.
She has seen Katherine, and come up to greet her.
Enjoying the garden? asks Letitia. Isn't it fine? All the rocks have been placed to appear naturally dispersed in a random way.
How clever, says Katherine. And I do love the four bridges to the islands. So Japanesey.
Yes, says Letitia. The lake represents the celestial sea, lapping the shores of the islands which are home to the immortals.
Very pretty, says Katherine. Oh look, swans.
Letitia has seen the swans already,
Instead she looks at Roo-kai.
Why is he squatting and why is he ruffling his feathers?
Why does he look guilty?
Something brown and slimy protrudes from his undertail coverts.
The knowlesi! cries Letitia.
Roo-kai slides way from the knowlesi.
No point hiding it now.
The knowlesi attempts to play dead, but best not be too hopeful.
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