Sweet And Elusive

The person across the aisle watches Arthur cut holes in the lunch box.

The frogs watch him too.

Careful, says the rana, that plastic looks thin.

I know, says Arthur. It's a cheap lunch box.

It's a takeaway box, says the person. Not a proper lunch box. 

You have been kind enough to give us your lunch box, says Pierre-Louis. It does not matter that it's thin.

No, we don't mind, says the rana.

Speak for yourself, says Quiet-tartus. You are only going to Paris.

True, says the rana. So why don't we get in and make it comfy?

Arthur has finished cutting the air holes. 

Quiet-tartus hops in. Sniffs the air.....

The knowlesi joins him.

Sniff. What is that smell? So sweet and elusive.

The rana joins them.

Mmm. Sticky date pudding.

(an unhealthy lunch choice, by the person).

But the aroma is pleasant.

We like it, says Quiet-tartus. Put the lid on.

Arthur clips the lid on.

The knowlesi looks worried, and knocks on the lid.

Open it! Something's wrong! says Pierre-Louis. 

Arthur unclips it.

Our papers! says the knowlesi. 

Here, says Arthur. 

He hands the knowlesi the papers, and re-clips the lid.

At last, the frogs are contained, and no longer a problem.

Arthur closes his eyes and remembers the Jullouville waiter, and his not-too-bad poem.

Pierre-Louis smiles across at the person who gave them the lunch box, even though it is thin.

The person smiles back, thinking: Très bien. No more loose frogs on the train.

Inside the lunch box however, it's mayhem.

If anyone bothered to look, they would see crumpled paper, expanding by the minute.