Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Celebratory Mosquito

Roo-kai swallows the moule.

He burps, in a birdlike manner.

That tasted funny!

That's because of where it's been, says Terence.

In a garlic and butter sauce, says Belle.

Oh, says Roo-kai. That will explain it.

That won't explain it, says Terence. You don't know where else it's been.

Never mind, says Belle. Roo-kai's eaten it.

Where else has it been? asks Roo-kai.

About this far, says Terence, patting his chest. On the inside. 

Could be worse, says Roo-kai. It could have gone further.

Down or out? says Terence. 

Down or out, says Roo-kai. 

Into my digestion, says Terence.

You don't have a digestion, says Belle. That's why you coughed up the moule. 

Can I have a red drink? asks Terence. And can Roo-kai come into the café?

Yes to both, says Belle. But we don't want any trouble. 

Because I'm a bird? says Roo-kai. Dont worry. I'll pretend I'm a stuffed one.

You are a stuffed one, says Terence.

Ha ha, says Roo-kai.

They go back into the café.

Oh, here you are, says Jeanne Jugan. Is Terence okay?

Fine, says Belle. What's everyone having?

Moules, says Jeanne Jugan. Except Arthur. He's having a burger Armand.

What about the frogs? asks Terence.

They're having a celebratory mosquito, says Saint Méen.

Each? says Terence.

Each, says Saint Méen.

What's the celebration? asks Belle.

Arthur has just told them that the amphibian chytrid fungus has been beaten, says Saint Maclou.

That's good news, says Belle.

It certainly is! says Roo-kai, forgetting to pretend he's a stuffed one.

Which would not matter, had a waiter, bringing moules, not been approaching.

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