The Marvellous Apple

Arthur hasn't come back from the chemist.

And there's a good reason for that.

He is cycling along the coast road without his companions.

The blood on his knees has dried up.

He feels like eating an apple.

But there are no apple trees along the coast road.

Perhaps he should head inland. 

He sees a sign to Bouillon.

Arthur does not know it but the steeple of the church of Bouillon boasts a famous apple tree.

It seems that many years ago a seed got mixed up in the mortar.

And was awakened (as seeds often are) by a hint of moisture.

Merveilleusement, the seed grew into an apple tree, which every year produces sour apples, which fall from the steeple.

Also nearby is the stone of the devil.

And the valley of painters through which flows the river Crapeux.

Here one may come across nymphs, washing their garments.

Catch their eye, and a rocky death may await you.

But we must not forget that Arthur lives a charmed life.

He sees the church with the apple tree on the steeple.

Apples lie underneath, on the ground.

Arthur stops and picks up a few, stuffing them into his pockets. Then he chooses one without bruises, to start with.

Chomp.

It's sour, but Arthur likes sour.

He is eating his apple when his phone rings.

It's Belle.

Arthur, where are you?

Bouillon, says Arthur.

Is that on the coast road? asks Belle.

A bit off it, says Arthur.

How are we supposed to meet up if your're a bit off it? says Belle.

I'm going back on it, says Arthur. Where are you now?

Grandcamp-Maisy, says Belle. We've just passed through it.

Okay, says Arthur. Where's half way between there and here?

How should I know? says Belle. Wait, I'll ask Saint Maclou.

Arthur hears saintly voices.

Gouville-sur-mer.

No Maclou, I take issue.

Where then?

Flamanville.

Is he alone?

Are you alone? asks Belle.

I am now, says Arthur.

He's alone, says Belle.

Then Flamanville it is.

Flamanville, says Belle. We'll meet there and transfer the frogs. What's that noise? Are you eating something? 

Apple, says Arthur.

Good for you, says Belle. Apples are healthy.

Maybe, says Arthur. 

But his stomach is telling him otherwise.