Extrication

It's two kilometres from Melbourne Uni to Central Station.

We'll walk, decides Gaius.

Boo! says Terence. But we came in a taxi.

Which Marx paid for, says Gaius. 

The walk will be bracing, says Pierre-Louis.

Yay! says Terence. What's the prize for the winner?

No prize, says Gaius. And no racing. We'll stick together, being unused to Melbourne.

Okay, says Terence. But I'm used to Melbourne.

Is that so? asks Pierre-Louis.

I came with Grandpa once, says Terence. And got stolen. 

So you did, says Gaius. I remember.  

Me too, says Terence. And the robbers kept my Peruvian hat.

Squattu is awake in Pierre-Louis's back pack. 

She should be asleep but it's hot.

She pokes her head out.

Terence sees her. 

I need to cool down! pants Squattu.

Come out, says Terence. You can sit on my shoulder.

She tries to wriggle out. Her claws catch on the blanket.

Help! says Squattu.

What's the trouble? asks Gaius.

Squatty got caught in the blanket, says Terence.

Stop, Pierre-Louis, says Gaius. We have a small problem.

Pierre-Louis stops.

Gaius patiently extricates Squattu's claws from the blanket.

Thank you, says Squattu. I was too hot.

We should have realised, says Gaius. Take the air, while we walk to the station.

Squatty sits on Terence's shoulder.

A few pedestrians on their way to work, goggle.

Terence feels proud.

Does the train go all the way to Yellingbo? asks Squattu.

How should I know? asks Terence.

No, says Gaius. Yellingbo is small and not on the train route. We'll get off at Lilydale and hire bikes.

And cycle to Yellingbo, says Pierre-Louis. 

Yes, says Gaius. And from there to the Conservation Reserve, where we'll set up a campsite.

In a tent, says Terence. I love tents!

No tent, says Gaius. Unless we drape the blanket over a branch.

I'll stay out, says Squattu.

We'll all stay out, because we'll be be working at night, says Gaius.

This will the best fun ever, says Terence.

Yes, don't we all feel like that, before we start camping.