The Gift Is Bestowed

Belle returns to the grassy area, with the half carrot.

Guess what? says Terence.

You too, says Belle.

What? says Terence.

Baby Pierre and Ouvert both have jobs , says Belle. At the Shipowner's House. Relief doorman and guard.

Woop, says Terence. But guess what?

What? says Belle.

Ask Méen and Maclou, says Terence.

Okay, says Belle. 

She looks at the two saints, who are beaming.

Where is your half carrot? asks Saint Méen.

Here, says Belle. It's looking kind of peaky. And now it can't even say 'carrot'.

Say 'carrot', says Terence, to the half carrot.

The half carrot remains silent.

It might if you scare it, says Quiet-tartus. Hey carrot! Boo!

But the carrot either cannot say carrot, or is not frightened. 

No need for that, says Saint Maclou. We're going to offer your carrot the gift of speech.

Great, says Belle. How will you know if it wants it?

We shall ask it, says Saint Méen.

I see, says Belle. Well, here it is, let's hope this has a happy ending.

It will, says Terence. 

The saints whip off their beanies and buzz loudly.

The gift is bestowed.

At last! says the half carrot. But it may be too late.

Wow, says Belle. It's so articulate! Dear carrot, it may not be too late.

What is left for me to say? asks the carrot. 

Bless you, says Saint Méen. Do you want this gift or don't you?

Is there something I could swap it for? asks the carrot.

Like what? asks Saint Méen.

Wholeness, says the carrot.

Holeness! laughs Terence. 

It wants us to plant it, says Quiet-tartus. In a hole.

He starts scratching a hole in the grass.

The gift of speech is subject to misunderstanding, says the carrot.

Would you prefer the gift of writing? asks Saint Maclou.

Saint Méen looks at his fellow saint sharply.

No, of course you wouldn't, says Saint Maclou.

But the carrot is thinking fast. The gift of writing has advantages.

One being clarity.

Another one would be owning a pencil.