More Like Grateful

Should we be happy or sad? asks a Tzeet.

Yes, which? asks the other.

Happy, says the clamorous reed warbler.

More like, grateful, says Roo-kai.

You're right, says the clamorous reed warbler. Grateful, because it died before it could eat you.

Not only that, says Roo-kai. It saved us flying to Melbourne only to find that we had to fly back to Geelong.

A selfless action, says the clamorous reed warbler.

The Tzeets look unconvinced.

Let us take a moment to remember him, says Roo-kai. Here beside this fine river.

It's the Wimmera, says the clamorous reed warbler. A vibrant river.

What does that mean? asks Roo-kai.

Lively, says the clamorous reed warbler. 

Roo-kai stares at the river, which does look lively, for various reasons.

Aren't we going yet? asks the first Tzeet.

Not yet, says Roo-kai. Let's bring up our collective memories of the peregrine falcon.

Can I be in it? asks the reed warbler.

Did you meet him? asks Roo-kai.

No, says the reed warbler, but I do feel I know him. What a cock!

Ha ha! laugh the Tzeets. He ate Camus's chocolate!

He must have had a belly-ache almost immediately, says Roo-kai. And yet he came after us.

Perhaps he was promised more chocolate on his return, says the reed warbler.

Or perhaps he wished to do one good deed before dying, says Roo-kai.

Yes, says a Tzeet. Like a hero.

A super hero, says the other one.

Don't get carried away, says Roo-kai.

Super heroes don't die, says the clamorous reed warber. I thought all birds knew that.

The Tzeets don't, says Roo-kai. They were released from a zoo breeding program.

Bad luck, says the reed warbler. Is that why they're catching the ferry to Tassie?

Yes, says Roo-kai. Safer than flying.

I don't know about that, says the reed warbler. 

Is that a veiled warning? asks Roo-kai.

Let me just say they should keep clear of the railings, says the reed warbler. 

We might not know much, says one Tzeet, but we know to stay clear of the railings.

And the reclining seats, says the reed warbler.

Duh, says Tzeet. As if we'd use them.

They show movies, says the red warbler. It's always dark in there. 

Is that where you suggest they conceal themselves? asks Roo-kai.

Can't think of a better place, says the reed warbler.

The Tzeets gaze at the vibrant river.

They imagine a ferry, floating past.

It is captained by a peregrine falcon.

They go aboard.

The captain directs them to the movie theatre deep in the bowels of the ferry, where it is dark.