Intermediary Connections

Belle is right.

Arthur has been in La Java for quite some time.

He has become well acquainted with the barman.

After three apple ciders he is now drinking apple brandy.

Wooden puppets hang from the ceiling . 

Their malevolent eyes ask: Do you remember?

He doesn't remember.

Then he does.

He only has 24 euros in his pocket.

But what did Belle say?

Pierre-Louis. Yes. Coming. He has money.

Arthur orders a plate of salami, and takes out his phone.

......

Terence is peeling potatoes. It's a job he's been given.

He is using his claw.

This must be the first time that claw has been useful, says Belle, as she cubes the peeled potatoes.

No, says Terence. It's always useful.

What for? asks Belle. 

Remembering Baby BB , says Terence.

That's sweet, says Belle. I wonder if he finds your broken finger as useful.

He wouldn't be peeling potatoes, says Terence.

No, he wouldn't , says Belle. I wonder if he regrets it.

What's regrexit? asks Terence.

Wishing he hadn't done it, says Belle. Could he fly, when he had your old finger?

Why wouldn't he? asks Terence. 

It would have been heavier than the claw he was used to, says Belle.

Terence has not thought of that ever.

Now he does. 

Baby BB flying lop-sided, weighed down by his finger.

Yes, he probably regrexit.

.......

Pierre-Louis is sitting outside under an oak tree.  

He smells the freshly turned earth, and potatoes cooking. 

Yes, thinks Pierre-Louis. Life is a series of connections. Earth potatoes dinner. 

(Note: he has missed a few intermediary connections)